A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Atmosphere Foundation to conduct the Maldives’ first-ever research on bamboo.
The MoU was signed by MNU’s Vice Chancellor Dr Aishath Shehnaz Adam and Vice President of Atmosphere Maldives, Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem, at a ceremony held at the University on Wednesday.
Bamboo is a sustainable and environmentally friendly grass that helps increase oxygen levels in the atmosphere. It also helps to mitigate the effects of toxic substances emitted into the atmosphere. The Atmosphere Foundation is currently implementing a major project to revive bamboo in the northern islands of Vaikaradhoo and Goidhoo. Data and insights from these islands will be used in this study.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem highlighted the significance of the study, noting that it marks the first formal research on bamboo in the Maldives. He further noted that there are bamboo in the Maldives that have been present in the country since ancient times. The study aims to identify the types of bamboo growing in the Maldives, locate where they grow, and assess the condition of the soil in these area.