Maldives launches project to build digital infrastructure to preserve national records

The National Archives of Maldives (NAM) has partnered with OAIS Cloud and Dr. David Giaretta of Giaretta Associates for a digital preservation project to secure and preserve valuable national documents.

The prototype of the digital preservation system being developed under the project was launched by Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Art Ibrahim ‘Asward’ Waheed and NAM’s Director-General Mohamed ‘Fares’ Amir Ahmed in a ceremony held on Monday.

The project is crucial for NAM, which currently digital preservation infrastructure or technical capacity for such an engagement.

The institution said that it has been actively working towards developing its digital preservation capacity over the past three years.

The first phase of the digital preservation project, which involved surveying relevant government and national bodies, concluded in June last year, and uncovered the need for substantial budgets and resources to build the desired digital archive.

The second phase of the project, launched on Monday, involves testing the prototype.

The National Archives of Maldives today hosted the Prototype Launching of the Digital Preservation System, in collaboration with OAIS Cloud and Dr. David Giaretta. This groundbreaking initiative fulfills a major commitment by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. pic.twitter.com/zbc1giCiO7

— Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Art (@YouthGovMv) October 7, 2024

NAM said that it had faced setbacks in rolling out the second phase of the project, primarily due to a lack of necessary budgets and resources, until it secured a one-year free agreement of digital preservation services from OAIS Cloud.

According to NAM, the agreement will provide the institution with the needed software infrastructure, technical support, and training to begin its digital preservation efforts, ensuring long-term preservation and accessibility of digital records.

NAM said that its collaboration with OAIS Cloud, and Giaretta Associates offers a valuable opportunity to establish a robust digital preservation infrastructure.

“This partnership will not only enhance NAM's capacity to preserve its digital records but also contribute to broader knowledge and expertise in digital preservation for Small Island Developing States (SIDS),” said the institution.

NAM said that by working closely with OAIS Cloud and benefiting from the expertise of Giaretta, NAM can acquire the necessary skills, tools, and strategies to meet its legal obligations and ensure the long-term accessibility of its digital assets.

The digital preservation project aligns with President Dr. Muizzu's pledge to establish a digital archive to preserve valuable national records. NAM noted that it also aligns with the government's broader priorities, including its focus on culture and nationalism.