Create a GIS for planning and managing natural resources.

Engage stakeholders, including Atoll Council members, fishermen, island communities, tourism representatives, environmental NGOs, and government agencies, to identify key natural resources, management challenges, and potential GIS applications. Assess available data on topography, bathymetry, land cover, water resources, fisheries, biodiversity, and socio-economic factors. Identify data gaps and potential sources for filling them. Estimate the financial and non-financial costs of establishing and maintaining a GIS, alongside the expected benefits like improved resource management, informed decision-making, and increased transparency.

Utilize existing datasets, conduct collaborative field surveys with communities, and explore remote sensing data (e.g., satellite imagery) for resource mapping and monitoring. Ensure data collection adheres to ethical principles and community consent. Explore the use of satellite imagery and aerial photography for land cover classification, monitoring resource extraction, and mapping the spatial distribution of resources. Establish protocols for data format, classification, and accuracy to ensure compatibility and integration across different sources. Create metadata that clearly describes data collection methods and limitations. Implement secure data storage solutions with local backups and cloud options for redundancy and accessibility. Establish data access restrictions based on user roles and permissions.

Develop pilot projects to apply the GIS to address specific resource management challenges identified in the needs assessment, involving communities in data collection and analysis. Monitor the effectiveness of the GIS in informing decision-making and improving outcomes. Ensure the GIS is compatible with other government information systems and databases to facilitate data sharing and collaboration. Conduct periodic assessments of the GIS system's functionality, data quality, and impact on resource management practices. Use feedback to make adjustments and improve system effectiveness. Explore funding opportunities and local resource mobilization strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the GIS system and its maintenance. Actively involve island communities throughout the process, empowering them to use the GIS for resource stewardship and participatory decision-making. Utilize the GIS to raise awareness about the value of natural resources and the importance of conservation among island communities and tourists.

Identify training needs of Atoll Council members, government officials, and community members involved in data collection and resource management. Offer user-friendly GIS training workshops tailored to different user groups, focusing on basic GIS operations, data analysis, map creation, and reporting tools. Consider incorporating local languages and traditional knowledge integration. Create a central resource center or online platform with GIS tutorials, user manuals, and case studies relevant to Maldivian contexts and natural resource management.