Noonu atoll Kendhikulhudhoo "Mangrove Island" will host its first tourism policy and board formation seminar on 15 and 16 August, bringing together the community to co-design a sustainable tourism strategy and establish the island’s first tourism board.

The two-day event will produce an operational manual for the board, set participation procedures and draft guidelines for sustainable tourism.

Attendees will include all tourism-related businesses and service providers from tour drivers, speedboat operators, shopkeepers, cafe's and restaurants to guesthouse and homestay hosts alongside representatives from the police, health centre and local school.

“This will be the first of its kind for Mangrove Island. We are bringing everyone to the table to ensure our tourism model works for the community and protects our natural environment,” said council President Mohamed Rauf.

“The Mangrove Island is not just a place to visit- it’s a place to feel; a living, breathing storybook of culture and conservation.”

Participants will take part in brainstorming, policy drafting and collaborative planning sessions aimed at ensuring tourism benefits the entire community while preserving the island’s heritage.

The event will be held in Noonu atoll Kendhikulhudhoo.