A fresh initiative called ‘Project Baukalo’ has been introduced to encourage better coexistence between cats and the community.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources characterized the initiative as a national pilot project set to last one year in partnership with animal welfare advocates and social organizations.

‘Project Baukalo’ was officially inaugurated at a ceremony on Sunday, which was attended by Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam, HDC Managing Director Brigadier General (Retired) Ali Zuhair, veterinary clinic representatives, and Chief Commissioners of the Maldives Girl Guides and Scout Association. The event also featured the signing of collaboration agreements for the project.

The pilot initiative, set to begin in Hulhumalé, will include extensive trapping, neutering, and releasing of cats through a "Trap-Neuter-Return" (TNR) scheme designed for controlling the cat population. The program will additionally offer veterinary services, support pet adoptions, encourage proper feeding and hygiene habits, enhance road safety, and increase community awareness.

During the event, Minister Ahmed Shiyam conveyed optimism that the initiative would lead to a notable change in public perceptions of cats within the community.

"We aim that through these joint endeavors, we can transform how individuals perceive cats in the Maldives." "The Minister stated that this includes a community-oriented mindset, institutions set up to offer shelter and care, along with our Ministry’s veterinary services that aim to enhance the conditions of the 'Olhu Hiyaa' cat shelter."

Minister Shiyam also mentioned that while the initial phase is taking place in Hulhumalé, the primary goal is to create a framework that can ultimately be scaled up across the country. The government anticipates that the initiative will offer a compassionate method for handling the stray cat population, while fostering a safer and more inviting atmosphere for animals and humans alike.

Animal welfare and protection were recognized as key government priorities in the President's 2024 Address. Furthermore, the 'Animal Welfare Bill' approved by Parliament was endorsed by the President on December 3 of the previous year. The legislation creates a nationwide structure regulating animal welfare and associated duties.

To address the increasing stray cat population in the Malé region, the existing government set up the ‘Olhu Hiyaa’ center to offer shelter and assistance for these felines. Ministry statistics reveal that MVR 3.4 million was utilized for the ‘Olhu Hiyaa’ facility from April of last year to May of this year.