Smile and Let Smile

A Maldivian Perspective

Introduction

National heritage encompasses historical sites, cultural traditions, language, arts, and environmental landmarks that define a nation’s identity.

In the Maldives, where oral traditions and unique cultural elements are deeply embedded in society, AI presents an opportunity to document, preserve, and promote heritage in innovative ways.

Despite AI’s potential, Maldivian heritage faces challenges due to limited digitized resources, inadequate funding for AI research, and the absence of a structured national development plan.

Without swift action, the Maldives risks falling behind in AI-driven heritage preservation. This article explores how AI can be leveraged to safeguard Maldivian heritage and proposes solutions to overcome existing barriers.

The Role of AI in Heritage Preservation

AI can revolutionize heritage preservation through:

• Digital Archives: AI-powered platforms can store and analyze historical documents, oral histories, and cultural artifacts.
• Machine Learning for Restoration: AI can assist in restoring ancient manuscripts, identifying patterns in historical texts, and reconstructing damaged artifacts.
• Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences: AI-driven VR can recreate historical sites, allowing people to explore Maldivian heritage remotely.
• Automated Language Translation: AI can help document and translate Dhivehi, making it more accessible globally.

Maldivian Heritage and AI Applications

Language Preservation

Dhivehi, the national language, lacks sufficient digital representation, making AI-driven language models like DhivehiGPT struggle due to limited datasets. AI can help by:

• Developing Natural Language Processing (NLP) models trained on Dhivehi texts.
• Creating speech recognition and synthesis tools for Dhivehi communication.
• Supporting AI-powered translation projects to bridge linguistic gaps.

Cultural Documentation

AI can assist in archiving traditional crafts, music, and oral storytelling. The Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage has initiated efforts to promote Maldivian identity, but AI integration remains limited. AI-driven platforms could:

• Digitize oral histories from elders and historians.
• Use image recognition to catalog traditional Maldivian art and attire.
• Develop AI-powered chatbots to educate people on Maldivian customs.

Environmental Conservation

Maldivian heritage is closely tied to its environment, including coral reefs and historical coastal sites. AI can:

• Monitor climate impact on heritage locations.
• Use satellite imagery analysis to track erosion and preservation needs.
• Support marine conservation efforts through AI-driven ecological studies.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Lack of Data and AI Infrastructure: Startups like DhivehiGPT struggle due to the absence of structured funding for AI research and development. Without government or private sector investment, AI innovation remains stagnant.

Absence of a National AI Strategy: International donors provide ad hoc funding because the Maldives lacks a National Development Plan for AI. Without clear policies, AI-driven heritage preservation remains fragmented.

Balancing Technology with Cultural Authenticity: AI must be implemented ethically to ensure historical narratives remain accurate and culturally sensitive.

Solutions and Future Outlook

Government Led AI Initiatives: The Ministry for Heritage and National Culture should spearhead AI-driven heritage projects, including:

• Digitizing Dhivehi texts to create AI training datasets.
• Funding AI research through structured grants and incentives.
• Collaborating with AI developers to ensure ethical implementation.

Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging private sector investment in AI heritage projects can drive innovation. AI-focused incubators and startup funding programs could support initiatives like DhivehiGPT.

International Collaborations: Partnering with global AI firms and research institutions can accelerate AI development for Maldivian heritage.

Educational Support: Establishing AI-focused research programs at Maldivian universities can cultivate local expertise in AI-driven heritage preservation.

Call to Action: Shaping the Future of AI-Driven Heritage Preservation in the Maldives

The time to act is now. If the Maldives fails to integrate AI into its heritage preservation efforts, it risks losing critical aspects of its identity in an increasingly digital world. Concrete steps must be taken to establish AI as a tool for cultural preservation, language sustainability, and national development.

Here’s how different stakeholders can contribute:

• Government: Develop and implement a National AI Strategy that prioritizes Dhivehi language preservation, heritage digitization, and AI research funding.
• Private Sector: Invest in AI-driven innovation and support startups like DhivehiGPT through structured grants, partnerships, and incubators.
• Educational Institutions: Introduce AI and heritage-focused research programs to build local expertise and digital resource development.
• International Donors & Partners: Align AI funding with long-term national development goals, ensuring strategic and sustained investment.
• The Maldivian Public: Participate in heritage documentation efforts by contributing stories, artifacts, and linguistic data to open-source platforms.

The Maldives has a unique opportunity to lead the way in AI-driven cultural preservation. But without immediate action, it will be left behind. It’s time for policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate and make AI an integral part of safeguarding Maldivian heritage.

Conclusion

AI presents a transformative opportunity to safeguard Maldivian heritage, but without structured funding, policy frameworks, and data availability, progress remains slow. The Maldives must act swiftly to integrate AI into heritage preservation, ensuring its cultural identity thrives in the digital age.

By advocating for AI-driven heritage initiatives, policymakers, researchers, and innovators can position the Maldives as a leader in AI-powered cultural preservation. The time to act is now—before the nation is left behind.