How did the Maldives form? Why do our islands look the way they do? These are questions many students ask, but until recently there were very few accessible resources that explained the science behind our atolls. Through this project, Atmosphere Foundation supported the printing of a science book that helps young readers explore exactly that. Written in clear, engaging language, Atoll and Island Formation in the Maldives introduces students to...
During the September school holidays the Kalaidhoo Community Centre filled with students who gathered for a week-long embroidery camp organised by the local NGO Kalaidhoo Wings. For many of the participants, it was their first experience learning how a simple needle and thread could slowly form patterns and pictures on fabric. Under the guidance of trainer Ms. Fazeela Ismail, the students spent each day practising basic embroidery techniques,...
What began as an A-level Travel and Tourism assignment at Villa International High School grew into a real industry event when six determined students set out to organise a seminar that would highlight the role of women in the Maldives’ tourism sector and give students the opportunity to hear directly from professionals working in the field. Within a month, the group had planned the seminar, secured sponsorship, and invited speakers. With...
In one home in Thinadhoo, an aspiring entrepreneur has been preparing natural wellness products And balms made with familiar island ingredients In 2025, a small grant from the Atmosphere Foundation helped support her next step. With a basic labelling setup that includes a printer, waterproof label sheets, and simple cutting tools, she is now able to produce durable labels that clearly identify each product and its ingredients. Key Facts •...
In Ihavandhoo, a group of women gathered each morning around a row of sewing machines learning a practical skill that could shape their livelihoods. For ten days, fifteen participants worked through the basics of sewing while also exploring how these skills might grow into small businesses. The machines used during the training were already part of the community, previously provided to the Maldives Women’s Association by the Pakistani High...
For one creative week in Kulhudhuffushi, participants gathered to learn the craft of punch needle embroidery. Guided by Ms. Aminath Shihana, 25 women learned the particular art of pushing yarn through fabric with a punch needle to form raised, looped patterns that build colourful textured designs. Slow and careful first attempts settled into place and by the end of the week, their finished pieces represented growing confidence and pride in...
In Vaikaradhoo, a small group of women gather each month around tables covered with textile and soft filling as their careful stitches and patient hands bring to life the brightly coloured fabric turtles and crabs meant for tiny hands. It began as a training programme in 2023 and has now grown into a livelihood initiative benefitting 14 households. In 2025, the women produced their first full batches of soft toys through a partnership supported...
Some stories stay with us long after the final page. AinI aai Velaa is a children’s book that introduces young readers to the life of a sea turtle and the delicate marine world that surrounds the Maldives. Created in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project Maldives, the book is written in Dhivehi and designed to help children build a sense of connection with the ocean and the animals that share it. Through storytelling, it gently introduces...
On a series of bright October mornings at the Hithadhoo Nature Reserve community members gathered for a conversation about the environment they live alongside every day. Surrounded by the wetlands and greenery of the reserve, the workshops invited participants to look closely at their surroundings and think about how small actions can help protect them.Together, participants explored ideas about conservation, discussed the environmental...
Bamboo for Climate Mitigation
Our flagship bamboo project continued to take root in new places in 2025. Building on work that began in 2023,
we imported 400 Beema bamboo saplings and continued working with communities to explore how this resilient remarkable plant can support climate resilience and greener island landscapes.
With guidance from bamboo expert Dr. Barathi Nambi, participants learned about bamboo’s rapid growth, its ability to capture carbon, and the role it can play in strengthening natural ecosystems.
At the Vaikaradhoo Bamboo Park, the project reached an exciting milestone. The park flourished over the year and attracted growing national interest. The local council went on to replant 200 bamboo cuttings across the island, a clear sign that the community has embraced the project and made it their own.
With growing interest from communities, bamboo may well become a natural ally in the Maldives’ efforts to protect the environment and build climate resilience.
Key Facts
• Bamboo has been planted on 48 islands across all atolls in the Maldives
• A nationwide campaign involving over 23 community groups.
• The Foundation has partnered with 18 local councils for the project
• Key sites include HDh Vaikaradhoo, Sh Goidhoo, Laamu Kalaidhoo,
Haa Dhaal Neykurendhoo
• Vaikaradhoo Bamboo Park continues to serve as a demonstration site
