THE SMART HUB FOR A SMART ATOLL
According to several international studies and policy documents a Smart Island is one that has abilities to implement integrated solutions to the management of infrastructures and natural resources, while promoting the use of innovative and socially inclusive governance and financing schemes.
Furthermore the introduction of cutting-edge ICTs coupled with sound environmental management, including the protection of the landscape and rational use of coastal and marine resources, is another core pillar of the Smart Islands concept. The use of ICT, ensuring the availability of reliable data to increase efficiencies, reduces costs and improves the quality of life of local communities, and will be become eventually the key in nurturing sustainable economic activities on islands.
On the basis of our review of current literature we propose that the concept could be extended in Maldives to simply define a Smart Atoll as the Atoll in which the majority of inhabited islands meets the definition of Smart Islands. Our pilot project therefore is due to contribute to the development of a Smart Island in Rasdhoo Island, capital of Alif Alif Atoll, and to extend the model to the other seven islands of the Alif Alif Atoll, and later possibly beyond, along the Decade of Action (2020-2030) launched by the United Nations to deliver the SDGs by 2030.
The main tool that we propose to use to reach our goals is the Smart Atoll Hub, a public center of activity equipped with advanced information and communication technologies and supported by a powerful portal, that provide location specific services of high value to its users. To this extent ICTS4SIDS will be committed to bring to Alif Alif Atoll Council its valuable experience in creating Smart Hubs worldwide (see https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/partnership/?p=30546 ).
According to the Representative of ICT4SIDS, Mr. V. Coco, who recently signed in Rasdhoo an MoU with the President of the Alif Alif Council, Mr. Mohammed Shafeeq, focused on promotion of sustainable tourism and the potential activities of a Smart Hub, these are the basic challenges that a Smart Atoll Hub in Rasdhoo could address in its first stage:
Energy
A Solar Atoll project is under study and the Smart Atoll Hub will provide the site and tools for connection and exchange of expertise between Maldivian and international technical experts, contractors, suppliers and stakeholders
Education
Digital classes and remote learning on tourism management and services, directed to guesthouse workers, unique handicrafts for food consumption, offered to local creative youth, and cooking class for local chefs on innovative recipes are currently discussed with international organizations and individuals and would be implemented through the premises and the technologies in the Smart Atoll Hub
Agriculture
Photovoltaic smart greenhouses adopting vertical farming with hydroponic system is the future of agriculture and a full proposal for a large installation in Toddhoo is already available by a world leading group. The Smart Atoll Hub would serve as the coordinating center of communications and project development between the international and local partners.
An additional unique application of the hydroponic system is proposed to be hosted in a greenhouse structure designed by a world renowned architect and built around the telecom towers to camouflage their metallic look. An even more amazing solution is proposed, on the basis of an existing project in the Mediterranean Sea, consisting in growing vegetables and fruit underwater in smart transparent bubbles, another vision for a sustainable development in Maldives 2030.
International Trading and Investment
Smart Atoll Hub could host a virtual Maldives-Italy Chamber of Commerce, to become after two years legally recognized by the Italian Government.
Transport
The first e-ferry in Asia is already working in Taiwan. Possibly a model to study with the Smart Atoll Hub resources for Alif Alif Atoll.
