The Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage is overseeing an ongoing programme to cultivate local heritage stewards across the nation's atolls, a move Minister Adam Naseer Ibrahim described as central to preserving the nation’s historical legacy.
In a recent interview with PSM News, Minister Adam Naseer delineated a strategic framework underpinned by the generation of sustainable revenue, the integration of heritage into daily life, and the modernisation of preservation through digitisation. Central to this strategy is a grassroots programme, he noted, designed to establish approximately 10 trained custodians per island to revitalise cultural assets and mitigate the risk of historical obscurity.
Detailing the mechanics of the initiative, Minister Adam Naseer stated: "We are actively implementing initiatives to cultivate heritage stewards across our island communities. This involves comprehensive efforts to train approximately 10 individuals from each island to serve as dedicated heritage stewards."
He continued: "The primary objective of this endeavour is to revitalise and foster the growth of local heritage within these communities. Furthermore, we aim to systematically minimise any vulnerabilities that could lead to the permanent loss of these historical assets."
The minister argued that since antiquities are inextricably linked to ancestral identity, their protection must be formalised as a shared civic responsibility. Regarding the localised impact, Minister Adam Naseer explained: "Consider, for instance, specific historical structures located within the islands. There are various distinct areas and particular artefacts; therefore, the methods for protecting and maintaining these assets, their profound impact on the enduring survival of the Maldivian people, and the intricate connections between these elements must be thoroughly understood."
He continued: "It is precisely for this reason that we are training dedicated groups at the municipal level." This decentralised approach aims to restore each island’s unique narrative, ensuring the national identity transcends contemporary challenges.