Major NGO Collaborations on Climate Action

2025

• The agreement signed with Soneva CSM, would foster collaboration in marine conservation, with a special focus on coral reef research and restoration. The partnership will provide MNU students with opportunities to participate in research projects and internships, offering practical, hands-on experience in coral reef ecology and marine conservation. MNU Signs MoU with Soneva CSM  
• MNU has partnered with Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab to create a unique academic research collaboration. Under this initiative Banyan Tree Resort’s house reef and lagoon will be turned into a “living laboratory”, giving MNU students and faculty members hands-on experience to conserve marine ecosystems and to develop sustainability plans. MOU signed between Banyan Tree – Vahbinfaru and the MNU
• Collaboration with MUI focuses on education, research and community outreach on marine conservation. Collaboration with MUI – The Maldives National University
• The partnership with the Olive Ridley Project combines ORP’s frontline expertise in sea turtle veterinary care and research with MNU’s academic leadership, co-creating a novel sea turtle conservation model that builds lasting local capacity. Central to the collaboration is the co-development and delivery of the region’s first specialised course in sea turtle medicine and surgery. MOU signed between Olive Ridley Project Maldives and the MNU

• On 21 May 2025, MNU and Atmosphere Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the project Bamboo Plant Identification and its Ecological Impact in the Maldives. The partnership aims to document bamboo species across the Maldives, examine morphological characteristics, and assess their ecological impacts on local ecosystems. The initiative supports scientific research and knowledge exchange on the potential role of bamboo in environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. MoU between MNU and Atmosphere Foundation
• The Sustainable Nitrogen Management for Clean and Healthy Ocean’s Project (CHOMV), co-executed with UK Center for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) would focus on building capacity for quantitative assessment and monitoring nutrient pollution and providing training to strengthening technical capabilities. Under an agreement with MRR research information will be gathered to strengthen the evidence base for understanding the impact of excess nutrients on coral and seagrass. Addressing marine hypoxia and land-based pollution in the Maldives through joint investment and partnership under the GEF Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Program – The Maldives National University
• With assistance from Veshisaafu (NGO) in 2025, MNU Gan Campus involved 50 participants in caring for the environment and shared spaces through direct action. This activity supported the participants to see the benefit of their own action & contribution to sustainability instead of treating environmental responsibility only as a classroom topic. Gifting plants to MNU – VESHISAAFU
• Community Workshops & Student Campaigns: MNU collaborates with community-based organizations and NGOs to run awareness drives on climate resilience and sustainable lifestyles. The MNU launched a tree planting programme in partnership with the national “5 Million Trees” initiative. The event was inaugurated at the Malé campus by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim. The Maldives National University Students’ Union (MNUSU) and community groups also took part in the programme. Subsequently tree planting activities were held across all its faculties and regional campuses as part of the initiative with collaboration from community groups in the respective islands. MNU Tree Planting v3, Tree Plantation Event – The Maldives National University, Instagram

2026

• MNU-UKCEH CHOMV project signed an agreement with Live and Learn Environmental Education (LLEE) to integrate or augment nitrogen and nutrient education into the school curricula, university programs, and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training for island leaders, government, non-government and private businesses. Awareness programs will also be launched to raise awareness and actively foster behaviour change for communities through targeted initiatives to promote sustainable nitrogen and nutrient management practices.
• The Allied Biologists and Young Scientists of the Sea (ABYSS), the student wing of MNU’s College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, collaborated with environmental NGOs and youth organisations to organise a coastal cleanup at Hulhumalé Phase II under the campaign #SaafuMaadhamaaeh. The initiative mobilised more than 120 volunteers and collected approximately 282.67 kg of waste, including 92.17 kg of recyclable plastic and 31.78 kg of aluminium. The activity encouraged community participation, environmental responsibility and awareness of marine pollution and sustainable waste management.