The D’MADD project conducted a workshop targeted at Addu City’s environmental NGOs. The event took place at the Equator Village on 21 September 2024. Environmental and youth NGOs joined the discussions, where they were introduced to the D’MADD project and the planned pilot to map the city's coral reef using fluid lensing technology.

The NGOs also presented their respective work and showed enthusiasm for the idea and the importance of having such data to protect the local ecosystem. With a lot of infrastructure development ongoing around the city, the participants expressed concern that the city council does not have the relevant data and resources to manage the negative impact of the development on the ecosystem.

The NGOs had a valuable impact on key points and areas of interest from the perspective of marine life and tourist attractions. Nala Fehi Meedhoo, Manta Trust, Addu Divers Community, and Project Thimaaveshi were among the NGOs. Addu Nature Park/ Addu City Council representative also participated in the presentations.

Mr. Ahmed Shan (Senior Surveyor) from the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy presented current work done by the ministry using various technologies. Dr. Ibrahim Waheed, the project manager for D'MADD, moderated the workshop. He has highlighted that participants from the presented NGOs will be included in the training and capacity building under the pilot project. The visiting mission of the World Bank consisted of Mr. Jerome Bezzina (Task Team Leader, Sr. Digital Development Specialist), Ms. Anna Metz (co-Task Team Leader, Sr. Digital Development Specialist), and Ms. Kristine Schwebach (Sr. Social Development Specialist) participated and interacted with the participants.

The workshop proved to be valuable for the implementation of the fluid lensing pilot activity in Addu City.