The Maldives, a nation renowned for its biodiversity and vulnerability to climate change, is actively transforming its approach to scientific research. Moving away from a model where international researchers conduct studies and leave with the data, the Maldives is prioritizing collaborative partnerships that empower local scientists and directly benefit the nation’s economy and environmental sustainability.
For years, the Maldives has experienced “parachute science,” a practice where research is conducted primarily by international scientists, with data and findings often remaining outside the country. This has marginalized Maldivian scientists and institutions, hindering the nation’s ability to leverage scientific knowledge for its own development. This imbalance is particularly critical given the reliance of key sectors—tourism, fisheries, and infrastructure—on accurate and accessible scientific data. Reef surveys, for instance, are crucial for resort management and attracting divers, while tuna stock assessments underpin the Maldives’ Marine Stewardship Council eco-label, vital for market access. Coastal modeling informs crucial infrastructure projects, and the lack of readily available, locally-analyzed data hampers effective decision-making.
However, successful examples of collaborative research exist, demonstrating the potential of a more equitable approach. The designation of Hanifaru Bay as a marine protected area, for example, directly resulted from manta ray and whale shark monitoring involving Maldivian stakeholders. Similarly, the South Ari Marine Protected Area’s management plan benefited from years of collaborative research. The Coral Institute also serves as a positive model, fostering strong international partnerships while ensuring Maldivian involvement in research and training. These successes highlight the benefits of research conducted not just *in* the Maldives, but *with* the Maldives.
Recent developments are bolstering the country’s research capacity. The inauguration of the Maldives’ largest marine research center at Jawakara Islands Maldives signifies a crucial step in this direction. This state-of-the-art facility, equipped with modern laboratories, focuses on coral resilience and marine biodiversity research, providing Maldivian scientists with the infrastructure to lead studies. As Sebastian Steibl noted during a center tour, procedures are being implemented to ensure collaborative research and local data sharing. Full integration of this facility with government policy frameworks is key to bridging the gap between international projects and national priorities.
The Maldivian government is also strengthening regulations. Research permits now mandate the submission of reports and data to relevant ministries. Exporting samples is restricted, and international conventions on genetic resources are being enforced. While these measures are important, consistent enforcement is crucial. The government aims to further enhance data accessibility by requiring all research data to be deposited in national databases and made available to policymakers in real time. This shared access to scientific information would strengthen marine protection efforts and support more ambitious sustainability initiatives. Resorts, for example, could utilize this data to adopt Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), enhancing their brand value while contributing to national conservation goals.
This shift does not aim to limit international collaboration. The Maldives intends to remain a hub for global scientific research, but on its own terms. This includes mandating co-authorship with Maldivian scientists on projects conducted within the country, providing training opportunities for local students alongside visiting researchers, and requiring raw data and metadata to be deposited with Maldivian institutions.
The private sector also has a vital role to play. Resorts hosting marine research projects should prioritize data-sharing agreements that inform their sustainability strategies. Fishing companies require accurate scientific data to maintain eco-certifications and reassure buyers. Infrastructure investors need clear information on erosion and sea level projections before committing capital. By demanding transparency and collaboration, the private sector can actively contribute to a more equitable and mutually beneficial research environment.
International journals are increasingly promoting collaborative research practices. PLOS, eLife, and others have introduced policies requiring authors to detail the involvement of local partners. These initiatives provide leverage for Maldivian authorities to align research permits with these standards, ensuring that publications accurately reflect Maldivian perspectives on the nation’s reefs, fisheries, and climate.
The Maldives’ goal is not to discourage research but to ensure that scientific endeavors conducted within its borders strengthen its own capacity, inform its policies, and benefit its economy. In a nation where evidence-based decisions are paramount, scientific research must be a collaborative and sustainable endeavor, deeply rooted in the Maldivian context.
