Maldives launches heritage scholarships
Government unveils postgraduate scholarships, restarts push for international heritage listing, and invests in preserving royal-era sites to strengthen national identity
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldivian government has announced a new package of heritage-focused initiatives, including postgraduate scholarships and renewed efforts to secure international recognition for traditional craftsmanship, positioning cultural preservation as a pillar of national development.
Speaking at a press briefing, Adam Naseer Ibrahim, minister for Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, said Maldivian government had approved 50 master’s-level scholarships dedicated to heritage-related fields. The programs are expected to begin in January and form part of a broader effort to professionalize the country’s heritage sector.
According to the minister, the scholarships will be linked to newly designed higher-education and training courses aimed at developing expertise in conservation, research and cultural industries. Officials said the initiative is intended to build a skilled workforce capable of managing heritage assets to international standards.
The announcement comes as Maldives renews a long-running attempt to secure recognition for its coral stone craftsmanship on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Adam Naseer said the country has been seeking inclusion for more than a decade, but is now preparing a fresh submission backed by new research, documentation and historical evidence, scheduled for submission early next year.
Coral stone architecture, particularly in mosques and royal-era structures, is considered a distinctive feature of Maldivian material culture, shaped by centuries of Indian Ocean trade and local adaptation. International recognition, officials say, would not only safeguard the craft but also elevate Maldives’ cultural profile beyond its global image as a tourism destination.
The minister said the government is also pursuing what he described as a more “intellectual and scientific” articulation of Maldivian national identity. He noted that heritage-based educational content has already been shared with more than 3,000 people as part of public outreach and academic engagement programs.
Alongside academic initiatives, Maldives has begun physical conservation work at several historically significant sites. Restoration and development projects are underway at Utheemu, linked to national hero Muhammad Thakurufaanu, including work around historic royal structures and mosques. Similar heritage-focused development efforts are planned for other northern islands with royal-era significance.
Officials said the projects are designed to combine conservation with sustainable economic activity, particularly heritage tourism, while reinforcing a shared historical narrative rooted in documented history rather than symbolism alone.
The initiatives reflect a broader regional trend in which smaller nations are investing in cultural diplomacy and heritage preservation to assert identity, diversify economies, and gain visibility on global cultural platforms.
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