Student Projects and Field-Based Learning Contributing to Climate Action
The Maldives National University (MNU) promotes climate change education and capacity building through student projects, practical coursework, field activities, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These initiatives provide students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world climate challenges, develop technical and problem-solving skills, and explore innovative solutions for climate adaptation and resilience. Some examples of such activities conducted are presented below.
In 2024, 30 Bachelor of Architecture students undertook a field trip to AA. Mathiveri, Bodufolhadhoo, and Nika Island Resort from 25 February to 2 March as part of their design studio. Through site observations, stakeholder interviews, and comparative studies, students examined the natural and built environments, tourism infrastructure, and vulnerabilities to climate change and coastal hazards. The visit to Nika Island Resort provided insights into traditional Maldivian architecture, passive cooling, and climate-responsive design practices. Engagement with the AA. Mathiveri Island Council enabled students to incorporate local knowledge and community perspectives into their proposed designs. In September 2024, 50 Bachelor of Architecture students travelled for a field trip to F. Magoodhoo to explore sustainable architecture and community-responsive design. Through site observations, stakeholder interviews, and comparative studies, students examined the island’s built environment, infrastructure, cultural heritage, traditional architectural practices, passive design techniques, and community needs. Engagement with local communities enabled students to integrate local knowledge, cultural values, and environmental considerations into their architectural proposals. These activities strengthened students’ practical skills in sustainable architecture, climate-responsive design, and community-centred approaches to resilient island development.
In February 2024, Bachelor of Marine Science students participated in coastal field studies in Kaafu Huraa island, assessing coastal ecosystems, water quality, mangroves, biodiversity, and shoreline conditions to develop a coastal zone management plan. These activities strengthened students’ practical competencies in coastal environmental monitoring and ecosystem management relevant to climate change adaptation and resilience.
The Resilient Retreats: Design Prototypes for Climate-Resilient Guesthouses initiative, developed in collaboration with the local NGO SIGS Maldives, provided students with practical opportunities to explore climate change adaptation through architectural design. Architecture students developed prototype designs for climate-resilient guesthouses suited to the Maldivian context, while students from the MNU Business School collaborated with SIGS Maldives to conduct cost-benefit analyses of the proposed designs. The student designs were subsequently presented at the Resilient Retreats Exhibition in December 2024, promoting wider awareness of climate-resilient infrastructure. The exhibition showcased climate-resilient building technologies, construction techniques, and materials, focusing on key design considerations such as building foundations, insulation, passive cooling, and building orientation. The displays highlighted traditional Maldivian construction practices alongside modern local and international approaches and emerging technologies for sustainable and climate-resilient building design.
The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) contributed to climate-related education through practical field-based learning. In February 2024, Marine Science students undertook coastal studies in K. Huraa, assessing coastal ecosystems, water quality, mangroves, biodiversity, and shoreline conditions to develop a coastal zone management plan. These activities strengthened students’ competencies in coastal environmental monitoring and ecosystem management relevant to climate adaptation.
In 2025, MNU continued to integrate environmental sustainability and climate change adaptation through field-based learning and practical activities. Bachelor of Environmental Management students enrolled in the Sustainable Human Development course undertook fieldwork in K. Thulusdhoo, examining the relationships between human development, environmental sustainability, livelihoods, and community resilience. Through household surveys, livelihood assessments, transect walks, GPS mapping, and consultations with the Island Council and other local institutions, students collected data to assess development conditions, environmental challenges, and community wellbeing in a small island context. Similarly, 49 Architecture students conducted field studies in AA. Thoddoo, examining the island’s natural and built environments, environmental risks, architectural characteristics, and community needs. Through site assessments, data collection, and stakeholder engagement, students gathered evidence to inform their Design Studio projects on climate-resilient housing and sustainable island masterplanning. In September 2025, students from the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) visited the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) aquaculture facility at K. Maniyafushi island to gain practical insights into sustainable aquaculture and mariculture development. The visit provided exposure to hatchery operations, broodstock management and species-specific rearing techniques, highlighting the role of research and innovation in reducing pressure on wild fish stocks. The activity supported environmental education through its contribution to sustainable marine resource management and the development of a more resilient fisheries sector in the Maldives.
On 18 September 2025, 20 Civil Engineering and Architecture students visited land reclamation and shore protection sites associated with the Future Infrastructure Project in Hulhumalé Phase 3. The visit provided practical exposure to coastal development, shoreline protection, and engineering approaches relevant to managing coastal hazards and strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure. Engineering students also visited STELCO to gain practical insights into power plant operations, electricity generation, grid stability, load management, and renewable energy integration. The visit highlighted the expansion of solar photovoltaic systems across the Maldives and the role of battery storage in supporting reliable renewable electricity supply, strengthening students’ understanding of sustainable energy technologies and the transition towards low-carbon energy systems.
In November 2025, Bachelor of Marine Science students participated in a practical learning visit to Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives in Baa atoll, gaining hands-on knowledge of coral reef restoration techniques, including coral micro-fragmentation, coral nurseries, and larval propagation. The activity strengthened students’ understanding of coral reef resilience and ecosystem restoration in the context of environmental change and coral bleaching. They also visited the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office to learn about marine biodiversity conservation, protected area management, and sustainable tourism. The visit highlighted conservation efforts at Hanifaru Bay, including environmental regulations, ranger monitoring, scientific research, and community engagement. Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) students participated in fieldwork at Hulhumalé Central Park and beach area. The activity provided practical experience in ecological observation, biodiversity assessment and environmental education, strengthening the students’ capacity to incorporate environmental learning into future teaching.
In 2026, climate-related teaching were strenthened through for example Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Adaptation module, which provided scientific and applied knowledge on sea-level rise, coastal vulnerability, and adaptation strategies. Students enrolled in Coastal Engineering module participated in fieldwork in ADh. Dhigurah, conducting beach profiling, sediment sampling, shoreline assessments, and inspections of coastal protection structures. The activity strengthened their technical competencies in coastal hazard assessment, erosion monitoring, and climate-resilient engineering. As part of field-based learning, Bachelor of Science in Climate Change students participated in an introductory drone technology workshop on K. Huraa Island. The workshop introduced students to drone operations, aviation safety practices, and relevant local regulations, while providing supervised hands-on flying experience. Students also learned how aerial imagery can be processed into maps and spatial data to support environmental monitoring and analysis. The activity strengthened students’ practical understanding of drone technology and its potential applications in coastal monitoring, environmental assessment, and climate change research.
From 30 April to 2 May 2026, students from Faculty of Engineering, Science and Technology (FEST) undertook a field trip to ADh. Dhigurah as part of the Coastal Engineering course. Through practical activities, including beach profiling, sediment sampling, shoreline assessments, and inspections of coastal protection structures, students examined coastal processes, erosion and accretion patterns, and engineering approaches to shoreline protection. The fieldwork enabled students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world coastal challenges while strengthening their technical skills in environmental assessment, data collection, and coastal infrastructure evaluation. The activity enhanced students’ understanding of coastal vulnerabilities, sustainable shoreline management, and engineering solutions for climate adaptation and resilience in small island communities.
