Atoll Geospatial Platform Development

The objective is to build an open, dynamic geospatial platform fully integrated into Noonu Atoll’s public domain, ensuring accessibility and active citizen participation. To achieve this, the council will develop a web-based platform hosted publicly, leveraging both open-source GIS tools for scalability and cost-effectiveness. The platform will integrate Maldives’ digital identity system (eFaas) to provide secure login, allowing citizens to engage directly with the data. Real-time data collection will be enabled through satellite imagery, drones, with all datasets made dynamic and downloadable to promote transparency. To ensure credible and responsible citizen participation in governance through the platform. All comments and votes will be accredited via Maldives’ digital ID for authenticity, with moderation guidelines filtering irresponsible input while preserving free expression. Summaries of feedback and council responses will be published, and a web portal will track engagement impact, such as approved plans, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The goal is to enhance Noonu Atoll’s impact by responsibly sharing data and collaborating with national, regional, and global partners. The council will publish anonymized datasets for use by other atolls, national agencies like the Maldives Ministry of Tourism and Environment, and global entities such as the UN, aligning with national geospatial standards and policies. Noonu Atoll will join regional GIS networks and advocate for a unified Maldives-wide framework, integrating with national systems like eFaas for seamless data sharing. Public webinars will showcase the platform’s transparent model, inviting citizen input on collaboration priorities, while partnerships with national research bodies and international organizations will amplify technical and funding support.

The objective is to manage natural and economic assets sustainably, with public accountability driving the process. The council will publish inventories of assets like fisheries and forests, including economic valuations, with data updated dynamically for transparency. Renewable energy sites for solar or wind will be assessed, and feasibility studies shared publicly for citizen input. Management plans prioritizing conservation will be open for comment via the platform, while asset data will be linked to economic opportunities like carbon credits.

This objective focuses on planning land and marine resources transparently, with citizen input shaping outcomes. The council will publish detailed land use maps covering residential, tourism, and conservation zones, alongside marine maps for fisheries and tourism capacity, all open for public comment. A voting system integrated with digital ID will allow citizens to approve or reject council planning proposals, ensuring their voices influence decisions. Development scenarios, such as resort expansions, will be simulated and shared publicly for feedback.

The aim is to digitize land records and utility services with full transparency, empowering citizens to oversee and engage in governance. A Land registry will be launched, publicly accessible and linked to digital ID for ownership verification, with all digitized records published for comment on disputes or errors. Utility networks like water and waste will be mapped with real-time, open data, allowing citizens to provide feedback on service issues.

The aim is to preserve cultural heritage and educate the public using open geospatial data. A cultural heritage map will be published, with citizens able to nominate sites via digital ID, ensuring community-driven preservation. Platform data will be shared with schools and researchers, encouraging public projects, while interactive heritage guides will promote tourism transparently. Annual “Geo-Engagement” events will showcase citizen contributions, fostering education and pride.