Noonu Natrally > Roadmaps > plans > Driving Micro Enterprises (LDP-4)

Preserving and Restoring Atoll's Cultural Legacy

This initiative aims to safeguard and celebrate Noonu Atoll's rich cultural legacy. A comprehensive inventory and mapping of cultural sites, historical landmarks, and traditional practices will be conducted. Community engagement will foster dialogue with residents and collect invaluable knowledge passed down through generations. Research and analysis will delve deeper into the history and significance of our cultural heritage. Documentation and archiving efforts will ensure these traditions are preserved for future generations. Cultural education and transmission within schools and communities will be promoted. Festivals, exhibitions, and educational programs will showcase cultural heritage for visitors. Special attention will be given to documenting and preserving atoll's unique literature and legends. Policy and advocacy will strive to integrate cultural preservation into atoll's development plans. The program's effectiveness will be monitored and evaluated to ensure the cultural legacy thrives. Capacity building will empower community members to become active stewards of their cultural heritage. By implementing this strategy, Noonu Atoll aims to ensure its cultural identity remains vibrant for generations to come.

From:: March 2024
To:: February 2025

40%

Completed

Chronology

Leading Team

Social Services Team

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

4.6 Heritage Conservation

Inventory and Mapping

To create a comprehensive inventory of tangible and intangible cultural assets, historical dances, sports, traditional games, and music recordings will be documented. Showcasing equipment, fixtures, fittings, gears, and artifacts will be included with photography and detailed descriptions. Literature, including folktales, poems, songs, manuscripts, and historical documents, will be digitized and transcribed. Legendary people, historical figures, and their stories will be documented through interviews, biographies, and family records. Historical places, such as archaeological sites, landmarks, and buildings, will be mapped with photography and 3D mapping. The location and significance of each asset will be mapped for future preservation and promotion.

Community Engagement

To gather insights and encourage community participation, a Cultural Heritage Committee with representatives from diverse communities, age groups, and cultural domains will be formed. Extensive interviews, workshops, and storytelling sessions will be conducted with local elders, practitioners, and knowledge holders.

Research and Analysis

To gain a deeper understanding of the collected data, collaboration with cultural experts, historians, anthropologists, and linguists will be sought. The analysis will focus on the evolution, historical context, and cultural significance of each asset. Areas requiring urgent restoration or revitalization efforts will be identified.

Documentation and Archiving

To ensure preservation and accessibility, tangible and intangible cultural assets will be digitized using appropriate methods. A dedicated cultural archive will be established at the Atoll council or in partnership with national institutions. An online database will be developed for public access and research purposes.

Education and Transmission

To ensure cultural heritage education, interactive sessions, storytelling, and hands-on workshops will be integrated into school curriculums. Intergenerational knowledge exchange programs will foster transmission of traditional skills and knowledge between elders and youth. Cultural centers or community spaces will be established for practicing and learning traditional arts, music, and sports.

Revitalization and Promotion

To showcase the revived cultural heritage, festivals, performances, and exhibitions featuring historical dances, sports, and music will be organized. The restoration and exhibition of historical equipment, artifacts, and fixtures will be supported. Educational materials and tourist guides highlighting the atoll's unique cultural heritage will be developed. Cultural tourism initiatives that respect local traditions and contribute to community livelihoods will be promoted.

Literature and Legends

To ensure wider accessibility, historical manuscripts, folktales, and poems will be translated and transcribed into Dhivehi and English. Literary events and storytelling sessions featuring legendary figures and local lore will be organized. Creative retellings of legends through theatre, music, and visual arts will be encouraged.

Policy and Advocacy

To advocate for cultural heritage preservation, collaboration with the National Centre for Maldivian Language and Culture and other relevant institutions will be sought. Work with local and national government agencies to develop policies and funding mechanisms for cultural preservation and revitalization. Raising awareness about the importance of cultural diversity and its role in sustainable development will be a key focus.

Monitoring and Evaluation

To ensure continuous improvement, the effectiveness of preservation and revitalization efforts will be regularly monitored, including community engagement, educational programs, and tourist feedback. Periodic evaluations will assess the impact of interventions on cultural sustainability and community well-being. Strategies will be adapted based on data and feedback.

Capacity Building

To empower community members, training and capacity building in cultural documentation, management, and advocacy will be provided. This will enable local communities to take ownership of their cultural legacy and lead future preservation efforts. Sustainable livelihood opportunities for artists, performers, and others involved in cultural tourism and preservation will be developed.