Other activities under this section
The Maldives National University (MNU), as a partner institution in the international RECOVER project, has been contributing to research and learning on water security and climate resilience in small island communities. The project, led by the University of Waterloo, Canada, and supported by the CLARE programme, examines the relationship between resource use, environmental risks and climate vulnerability.
As part of the project’s Real-World Lab activities, MNU conducted stakeholder meetings and consultations in early 2025 to identify challenges affecting water access, availability and security in Malé. The consultations included vulnerable community groups to ensure that their experiences and perspectives were considered, particularly in relation to access to water during climate-related disruptions.
The activities also supported the preparation of a policy brief on water insecurity and the development of research-based recommendations. Three student interns were involved in the RECOVER project, providing opportunities for students to engage with applied research and real-world sustainability challenges.
Through collaborative research, stakeholder participation and student involvement, the project strengthens understanding of water security and supports the development of evidence-based approaches for more resilient water management in the Maldives.
The Maldives National University (MNU), through the Maldives National Journal of Research, contributed to knowledge on sustainable water management through the publication of the research article “Unveiling Island Water Demand Patterns: A Multi-Scale Comparative Study in the Maldives.”
The study, authored by Ibrahim Miflal Fayaz and Suma Khalid Mohamed of the Fenaka Institute for Training and Research, examined water-demand patterns in three Maldivian islands: HDh. Finey, M. Mulah and Gn. Fuvahmulah. Using operational water-supply data, the research explored differences in water consumption, peak demand periods and minimum night flows across islands with different population sizes and settlement characteristics.
The findings demonstrate the importance of understanding local water-demand patterns when planning and designing water-supply systems. Such evidence can help policymakers, engineers and water-service providers avoid over- or under-sized infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and strengthen water security for island communities.
By publishing research on national water-management challenges, MNU supports knowledge sharing and provides an educational resource for students, researchers, policymakers and professionals working in the water sector.
The Maldives National University (MNU) Kulhudhuffushi Campus organised an information session for university staff in collaboration with the Utility Regulatory Authority (URA), promoting awareness of utility services and responsible resource management.
The session introduced participants to the roles and responsibilities of URA and its affiliated agencies, with particular attention to water conservation, energy conservation and effective waste management at island level. Practical guidance was provided on responsible utility use and actions individuals can take to reduce resource consumption in their daily lives.
A total of 25 staff members participated in the session, comprising 16 MNU staff and nine URA staff. The programme enhanced participants’ understanding of sustainable utility consumption and encouraged environmentally responsible practices within the university and the wider community.
Through this activity, MNU provided staff with an opportunity to learn about water conservation and the importance of managing essential resources sustainably.
The Maldives National University (MNU) conducted a handwashing awareness programme for children at Falah Preschool to promote good hygiene practices and raise awareness of the importance of handwashing in preventing the spread of infections.
The programme was delivered by lecturers Sizna Mohamed, Shuhurath Hassan and Saushan Rasheed, together with second-semester Nursing students. A total of 190 preschool students and teachers participated in the activity.
During the session, the correct steps of handwashing were demonstrated in a simple and child-friendly manner. Children were then encouraged to demonstrate the technique themselves, allowing them to practise the steps and reinforce what they had learned.
The activity provided an opportunity for young children to develop practical hygiene skills and understand the importance of safe sanitation practices. Through community-based health education, MNU continues to support awareness and learning related to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
Civil Engineering students from the Faculty of Engineering, Science and Technology (FEST), Maldives National University (MNU), visited Island Beverages Maldives (IBM) at the FEN Building in Malé as part of an industrial exposure activity.
The visit provided nine students with an opportunity to observe the production of TaZa bottled water, quality-control procedures and manufacturing operations. Accompanied by one MNU lecturer, the students also learned about the facility’s structural systems, building services, ventilation, safety arrangements and industrial infrastructure.
The guided visit helped students connect classroom learning with practical applications in an operational industrial environment. Exposure to bottled-water production and quality-control processes also provided an opportunity to understand aspects of water processing and the importance of maintaining appropriate standards in water-related production facilities.
The activity strengthened engagement between MNU and industry while supporting practical learning and professional development for students.
The Maldives National University (MNU), through its research activities and student projects, has provided opportunities to investigate important water-management challenges affecting Malé. These research activities focus on water use, urban flooding, groundwater quality and the resilience of water systems in the context of climate change.
Research topics recorded by MNU include “Complete SWMM for Malé”, which applied the Storm Water Management Model; “Flooding Risks in Malé: From Past to Present”; and “How Climate Resilient is Malé’s Water System? Insights from a Hydro-Socio-Metabolic Risk Analysis.” Further research examined rainfall trends and groundwater quality in Malé. The Excel record also reports that a household water-usage survey was conducted between October and December 2025, with data analysis completed and the report under development.
These activities give students and researchers opportunities to apply scientific methods to real water-management challenges. The findings can contribute to a better understanding of urban water demand, flooding risks, groundwater vulnerabilities and climate-related pressures on water security.
Through research-based learning, MNU supports the development of knowledge and skills needed to address water challenges in the Maldives and promote more resilient and sustainable water-management practices.
