Gov’t, Muni Enterprise and UNDP sign MOA to promote pearl culture

The United Nations Development Programme and Marine Research Centre (MRC) today signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Muni Enterprise Pvt. Ltd, to set up a pearl farm in Noonu Atoll Maakurandhoo.

Muni Enterprises’ investment is an offshoot of UNDP’s “Pearl Culture Demonstration, Extension and Marketing” project that was implemented with the Marine Research Centre of the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, with support from the Japan Human Resource Development Fund from 2003 to 2010, to research and demonstrate the feasibility of a pearl culture industry in the Maldives.

Under the MOA, UNDP and MRC will provide technical support and oversight to Muni Enterprise, who plans to establish and operate a pearl farm.

“The initiative will not only promote tourism and livelihoods, but also educate people on pearl culture technology. We are very happy to have a partner from the private sector, who will benefit from the commercialization of a proven concept,” said UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Andrew Cox, speaking at the ceremony held at the UN Building.

Also present at the ceremony was Dr. Mohamed Shiham Adam, Director General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, who referred to the success of the pearl culture pilot projects in Baa Atoll Thulhaadhoo and Bodumohoraa, and stressed on the enormous potential of the project. He urged Muni Enterprise to build momentum for future development of the pearl culture industry in the Maldives.

Dr. Shiham further stated that apart from technical guidance, MRC would assist in the physical setting up of the pearl farm; provide training to field officers to manage the pearl culture facilities; and facilitate pearl jewelry making training for women in Noonu Atoll.

Representatives from Muni Enterprises, a business family hailing from Noonu Atoll Velidhoo, stated that their interest in the project not only lies in how they could potentially attract tourists to the showroom they plan to build, and promote pearl culture commercialization, but also their vested desire to do something for the Noonu Atoll community, especially in creating economic opportunities for women.