MALDIVES: Online dialogue with the executive committee of guesthouse and boating associations

On the 13^th and 14^th of June 2021, the Maldivian partners of the PROMISE project held virtual meetings with the executive committees of the Guesthouse Association of Maldives (GAM) and the National Boating Association of the Maldives (NBAM) respectively. As key stakeholders for the project, the heads of the organizations were provided with an introduction to the project and discussions were held about ways in which the project could work with the associations to achieve mutually beneficial goals related to minimizing the issues of marine litter. Both the organizations expressed concern about the growing issues of waste management in the Maldives and how it negatively impacts their respective businesses. The project partners are excited at the prospect of working together and are thankful to both the associations for their cooperation thus far.

GAM is the leading association representing the local tourism sector of the Maldives, and coordinates with government policy making bodies to develop and sustain the local tourism sector. With over 200 members representing guesthouse businesses from all over the Maldives, GAM conducts industry related research, works in raising awareness, as well as in promoting the local tourism sector to the world.

Similarly, NBAM represents the liveaboards of the tourism sector and has over 30 general members, as well as numerous partners consisting of prominent organizations in the Maldives. The association works to present a united voice of liveaboard businesses to the relevant government agencies and works towards raising standards in the industry. NBAM also provides guidance to its members on issues related to the environment, sustainability and safety.