Ministry of Tourism in partnership with Dutch pioneering company Dutch Docklands has signed an agreement launching a project to develop floating islands in the Maldives.
The innovative concept is one introduced by the company which describes itself as the global leader in floating developments, concepts, and infrastructure. The floating islands are part of a joint project that many hope will be the solution to the impending environmental crisis the islands could face over the next 50 years.
The project was first launched in the presidency of Mohamed Nasheed, in 2010. The project came to a halt after that was resigned in May, 2019. On Sunday, 14 March 2021, the project was once again launched by Former president Mohamed Nasheed in a ceremony held Ministry of Tourism. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Tourism, Dr, Abdulla Mausoom, CEO of Dutch Docklands Van De Camp, Project Consultant Mr. Riyaz and some parliament members form Male city.
The final preparation to start the project is ongoing and is set to start this September. The billion dollar project will develop 5000 housing units and will be constructed on a lagoon near Male atoll Aarah. The project also includes resorts and a yacht marina in its design. The project is to be the first of its kind in terms of concept to be ever developed in the world. It is expected to be phased into ten years and could house thousands once completed.
In an interview given to star.com, Paul Van de Camp, Chief Executive Officer of Dutch Docklands said, “The Maldives are the biggest marine protected environment in the world,” His company would build a separate floating island with homes for the bulk of the country’s population. All of this will be done with an eye to protect the islands’ natural resources and environment, said Van de Camp. The government is very cautious about anything that could potentially harm the aquatic life, the environment and tourism. The floating islands will be anchored to the seabed using cables or telescopic mooring piles. They will be stable even in storms, the company says. One of the reasons designers decided to build lots of small islands was to lessen any shadow of the seabed because it could affect wildlife.
Official information on the project is yet to be released by the government.
Inspired by the commitment of #Maldives' President His Excellency Ibrahim Mohamed Solih @ibusolih and the Speaker of Majlis, President @MohamedNasheed towards sustainable tourism development initiatives and innovative projects. Thank you Mr. President. Thank you Speaker.
— Abdulla Mausoom (@Mausoom_Maus) March 14, 2021
