Drones, AI important to solve Maldives' problems: Shauna

Dhiraagu and UNDP have successfully completed the 'Drones for Resilience' project in Addu, in a mission to use drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to meet the challenges facing the Maldives.

Dhiraagu and UNDP together undertook a project to promote the use of drone technology in the preparation and prevention of natural disasters.

As part of the project, Maldives Red Crescent (MRC) society volunteers living in Addu have been provided with drones, training and orthomosaic maps of the islands (a quality map produced using compiled images of numerous images captured by drones).

Dhiraagu and UNDP appreciated the support received by MRC volunteers for the program at a ceremony held in Addu on Wednesday to mark the completion of the project.

According to Dhiraagu, due to the Drones for Resilience project:

Speaking on the occasion, environment minister Aminath Shauna said that drones and artificial intelligence can be used in various fields.

"We will get the support of the government to start using such technologies to combat the various challenges faced by the country," Shauna said.

Dhiraagu CEO and Managing Director Ismail Rasheed said the company's CSR focus has been placed on protecting and conserving the environment.

Addu mayor Ali Nizar said that while land use plans are being prepared in Addu, the resources donated to the project will be important in city planning.