Agreement renewed for Milano-Bicocca Maldives outpost

An agreement was signed Sunday to extend the Milano-Bicocacco University’s outpost on the island of Magoodhoo in Faafu atoll for a further 10 years.

The marine research outpost was established in 2011 during the administration of former president Mohamed Nasheed, who attended the signing ceremony on Magoodhoo and appealed for continuation of studies into coral reefs in the Maldives.

Renewing the agreement was part of the first 100-day action plan of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The previous administration reportedly refused to renew the agreement when it expired last year.

The extension agreement was signed by Magoodhoo council president Abdulla Waheed, Maldives foreign secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed and Milano-Bicacco University’s rector Professor Maria Cristina Messa.

Rita Giuliana Mannella, Italy’s ambassador to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, also attended the ceremony.

According to the Magoodhoo council, about 25 marine biology students visit the outpost each month to conduct research and fieldwork. The outpost also offers training opportunities for marine science students from the Maldives National University.