LocationsUNDP, Kandima Maldives and KULA launch pioneering Art for Biodiversity initiative to finance conservation through creativity
July 23, 2026
Launch of Dhirun - Art for Biodiversity Exhibition at Kandima Maldives
Dhaalu Valla, 23 July 2026: A new partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Maldives, Kandima Maldives and the KULA Art Initiative is demonstrating how art, tourism and innovation can come together to protect nature while supporting local livelihoods.
Launched today, Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity is an innovative biodiversity finance initiative under UNDP's Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), bringing together 19 Maldivian artists in an exhibition that transforms artistic expression into direct investment for conservation.
Representatives from UNDP and Kandima Maldives, together with invited guests and participating artists, gather for a group photo
The initiative introduces a new financing model that benefits both artists and biodiversity. Participating artists receive 100 per cent of the price they set for their artwork, while buyers make an additional 30 per cent contribution that is directed towards conservation efforts in Dhaalu Valla, a beloved local picnic island that doubles as an ecologically significant area that provides habitat for nesting sea turtles and migratory birds. By waiving commercial commissions, Kandima Maldives has enabled every artwork sold to directly support both creative livelihoods and nature conservation.
Participating artists attend the briefing session ahead of the opening of Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity at Kandima Maldives.
The exhibition showcases a diverse collection of paintings, digital art and installations inspired by the Maldives' unique biodiversity, marine ecosystems and island landscapes. More than an art exhibition, Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity demonstrates how the tourism sector can become an active partner in financing conservation while creating meaningful opportunities for Maldivian artists.
"Protecting biodiversity requires new ideas and new partnerships," said Adnan Cheema, the UNDP Maldives Resident Representative.
"Nature underpins the Maldives' economy, communities and way of life. Through Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity, we are demonstrating that conservation can be financed in innovative ways by bringing together the creative sector, tourism and local communities. Every artwork tells a story, every purchase supports Maldivian artists, and every contribution helps safeguard the ecosystems that sustain us all."
UNDP Resident Representative Adnan Cheema delivers his remarks at the opening ceremony of Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity at Kandima Maldives.
The initiative forms part of UNDP's global Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), which supports countries in identifying practical, scalable solutions to address the global biodiversity finance gap. Rather than relying solely on traditional conservation funding, BIOFIN works with governments, businesses and communities to unlock new sources of finance that protect nature while generating social and economic benefits.
“Through Canada’s support for the BIOFIN initiative, we have seen how innovative partnerships can unlock sustainable solutions for nature. The Maldives is an inspiration, demonstrating that biodiversity conservation can create opportunities for communities while strengthening resilience for future generations,” stated Her Excellency Isabelle Martin, High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, during her remarks.
Her Excellency Isabelle Martin delivers her remarks at the opening ceremony of Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity at Kandima Maldives.
For Kandima Maldives, the partnership reflects the resort's commitment to sustainability and meaningful guest experiences that contribute to local communities and the environment.
“Art for Biodiversity is a natural extension of our long-standing commitment to supporting local artists and creative communities. Through this partnership, we are creating a platform where art inspires conservation, while generating tangible support for biodiversity through every artwork sold,” noted Fathimath Lahfa, Group Head of Sustainability at PULSE Hotels & Resorts.
Fathimath Lahfa, Group Head of Sustainability at PULSE Hotels & Resorts, delivering her remarks at the opening ceremony of Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity at Kandima Maldives.
The exhibition will run from 23 July to 24 September 2026 at Kandima Maldives, with a series of artist engagement sessions and workshops throughout the exhibition period, creating opportunities for guests to interact with Maldivian artists and learn more about the country's biodiversity and conservation efforts.
As the first initiative of its kind under this partnership, Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity aims to demonstrate a model that can be replicated across the Maldives, encouraging greater collaboration between the tourism industry, the creative sector and conservation partners. By showing how culture and commerce can work together for nature, the initiative offers a practical example of how innovative finance can contribute to achieving national biodiversity goals while creating lasting value for communities.
Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity