Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim has revealed that land constraints are the primary challenges the limestone mosques in the Maldives face in securing a spot in the World Heritage List.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Adam Naseer underscored the significance of limestone mosques, stressing the need to preserve them. The minister revealed that efforts are underway, in collaboration with the Islamic World of Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO), to ensure that the limestone mosques enter the Wold Heritage List. He disclosed that ICESCO is optimistic that the mosques can be included in the permanent World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Furthermore, Minister Adam Naseer revealed that heritage sites included in the World Heritage List must meet certain land requirements. The minister said that discussions are underway to possibly reduce these requirements and make them more feasible, aiming to overcome this issue.
Shedding Light in the government's efforts to preserve heritage sites, Minister Adam Naseer emphasised the importance of increasing awareness and train individuals within the field. The minister revealed the government's goal of training individuals in heritage preservation through international opportunities.
The Maldives has been working towards World Heritage recognition for limestone mosques since 2008. In 2008, the Old Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy) was included in the temporary World Heritage List. While there are several limestone mosques in the Maldives, seven of them have been included in the temporary World Heritage List.