Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage has included 462 locations in the temporary heritage list of Maldives.
It is included in the first 100-day pledge policy of the administration to compile a list of historic sites in Maldives and to monitor the sites responsibly, as part of the efforts to identify the historic and cultural sites and to legally oblige to protect the locations.
The temporary heritage list of Maldives was compiled by collecting information from local councils and local historians, according to the heritage ministry. The information gathered on the sites across the country has now been published. The ministry added it will welcome comments and suggestions on the sites that will be accepted via its online portal.
Furthermore, the heritage ministry has also drafted a bill on protecting historic and cultural sites and submitted it for parliament approval. The bill ensures hefty fines up to USD 65,000 and 20-year jail terms for those who deliberately damage any historic and cultural site in the country.
The bill also will pave the path for heritage ministry to form Cultural Heritage Protection Agency to monitor and safeguard the sites. The agency will also have the authority to take action against those who deliberately damage any historic and cultural site.
A special fund, Heritage Trust Fund, will also be formed to finance the efforts to protect the sites and conduct further surveys.