- The Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity initiative partners UNDP Maldives, Kandima Maldives and KULA to fund conservation in Dhaalu Valla through art sales by 19 Maldivian artists.
- Buyers contribute an additional 30 percent of the artwork's price towards conservation, while Kandima waived commissions so artists receive 100 percent of their listed price.
- Running until 24 September with workshops and artist sessions, the initiative aims to be a replicable model linking tourism, creative industries and environmental conservation.
A new exhibition at Kandima Maldives is directing funds from artwork sales towards biodiversity conservation in Dhaalu Valla, while ensuring participating Maldivian artists retain the full price set for their work.
The Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity initiative is a partnership between UNDP Maldives, Kandima Maldives and the KULA Art Initiative under UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative, BIOFIN. It features paintings, digital art and installations by 19 Maldivian artists.
Buyers will make an additional contribution equivalent to 30 percent of an artwork’s price, with those funds directed to conservation efforts on Dhaalu Valla. The picnic island is also a habitat for nesting sea turtles and migratory birds.
Kandima Maldives has waived commercial commissions for the exhibition, allowing artists to receive 100 percent of their listed price while separating the conservation contribution from the sale amount.
The exhibition will run until 24 September, alongside artist engagement sessions and workshops for guests. The partners said the initiative is intended as a model that could be replicated across the Maldives, connecting tourism, creative industries and environmental conservation.
