University of Milano-Bicocca has decided to continue its operations in its outpost in Magoodhoo in Faafu Atoll for the next 10 years.
In 2009, the Maldivian government signed an agreement with the Milano-Bicocca to implement scientific and academic programmes at an outpost of the Italian university in Magoodhoo.
At the ceremony held to celebrate 10 years of its functioning in Maldives, University of Milano-Bicocca decided to extend its services for the next 10 years. The extension agreement was exchanged by the government and management of Milano-Bicocca, while Magoodhoo Island Council signed with the university to lease the land for the next 10 years.
Speaking at the ceremony held to mark 10 years of the outpost, former President Mohamed Nasheed appealed to continue researching the coral reefs and marine life in Maldives. The former president noted the reefs must be protected to ensure Maldives is protected from impacts of climate change.
Therefore, Nasheed highlighted the situation of the reefs must be surveyed. He expressed the natural beauty of the country must be passed on to the future generations as it is or in better conditions.
Meanwhile, Ambassador of Italy to Maldives Rita Giuliana Mannella expressed the University of Milano-Bicocca outpost in Maldives further strengthened ties between both countries.
University of Milano-Bicocca is a multidisciplinary institution in Italy which was founded 12 years ago. The outpost in Maldives offers students at the University of Milano-Bicocca the opportunity to conduct marine research in one of the world's most spectacular tropical ecosystems, which is also at the climate change frontlines. The outpost also provides a chance for Maldivians to study at a world class university, without having to leave the country.
It is a pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamedf Solih to establish an outpost of University of Milano-Bicocca in Maldives within first 100 days of the administration.