Description
The National Centre for Cultural Heritage was established with the enactment of Heritage Act (12/2019) to ensure the preservation and safeguarding of the cultural heritage of the Maldives. As per the legislative framework, the Centre has the role to protect and conserve both tangible and intangible cultural property to ensure their transmission to future generations.
Authority and Responsibilities of the Centre
The Centre holds significant responsibilities in managing, conserving, and promoting the cultural heritage of the Maldives. Its main functions include:
1. Classification and Registration: The Centre determines the criteria for classifying cultural heritage objects, buildings, monuments, and sites. It also maintains an updated registry of cultural heritage assets.
2. Monitoring and Protection: Ensuring the safeguarding and preservation of Maldivian cultural heritage for both present and future generations.
3. Conservation and Management Plans: Developing conservation strategies and sustainable management plans under the regulations of this Act to ensure the safe transmission of cultural heritage.
4. Public Awareness and Education: Providing information to local councils on heritage status, protection, and preservation methods, as well as conducting awareness programs for public engagement.
5. Policy and Regulation Implementation: Advising the Minister on the execution of international heritage conventions ratified by the Maldives and ensuring compliance with enacted regulations.
6. Enforcement and Penalties: Penalizing individuals or organizations that damage or neglect cultural heritage assets, as per the regulatory framework.
7. Impact Assessments: Establishing guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessments (CHIA) to evaluate the impact of development activities on cultural heritage.
8. Licensing and Permits: Issuing and monitoring licenses for activities related to the exploration and study of Maldivian cultural heritage.
9. Scientific Research and Investigation: Identifying and investigating Maldivian cultural heritage using scientific methodologies while encouraging academic research in the field.
10. Archival and Digital Documentation: Maintaining a secure and modern archival system to store and manage cultural heritage information.
11. Revenue Generation: Charging for services provided by the Centre based on predetermined guidelines.
12. Committees and Research: Forming committees to facilitate research and dissemination of information on the Maldivian culture, history, and traditions.
13. Public Engagement: Encouraging public participation in conservation efforts through surveys, discussions, and educational campaigns.
14. Accessibility: Establishing procedures to make cultural heritage sites, buildings, and monuments accessible to the public.
As per the Heritage Act (12/2019), Maldives defines the Intangible cultural heritage as the traditions and expressions passed down through generations, reflecting the history, culture, and identity of the Maldivian people. This includes:
• Oral Traditions: Dhivehi language, linguistics, dialects, and scripts.
• Social and Religious Practices: Customs, rituals, and traditional beliefs.
• Arts and Performance: Music, poetry, drama, dance, sports, films, drawings, paintings, and craftsmanship.
• Traditional Knowledge: Skills related to nature, the universe, and lifestyle practices.
• Handicrafts: Traditional craftsmanship that carries historical and artistic significance.
The National Centre for Cultural Heritage plays a crucial role in preserving both tangible and intangible heritage, ensuring that the rich cultural legacy of the Maldives remains protected and celebrated for future generations.
Address
National Museum, Chandhanee Magu, 20158, Male', Maldives