The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated two ambient air quality monitoring stations to the Maldives.
One out of the two stations donated by WHO will be installed in Hulhumale' Central Park. An agreement has been signed between the Environment Ministry and Housing Development Corporation (HDC), handing over the management of the station to HDC.
The HDC and the Environment Ministry plan to use the data available through the station to raise awareness among the public and publish the data for public viewing.
The Environment Ministry said various air pollutants could be monitored using the stations. The station will monitor a number of air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter (10), particulate matter (2.5), and particulate matter (1).
An agreement was also signed between the Environment Ministry and HDC to hand over two air quality monitors to HDC. The monitors, which show the Air Quality Index, or AQI, will be installed in Hulhumale' Phase I and Phase II. The monitors will monitor the levels of particulate matter (10), particulate matter (2.5) and particulate matter (1), and carbon dioxide gas in the air.
Under efforts to establish an air quality monitoring network in the Maldives, monitors have been installed in HDh. Kulhudhuffushi, Sh. Funadhoo, Lh. Naifaru, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, L. Gan, GDh. Thinadhoo, Gn. Fuvahmulah, and S. Hithadhoo thus far. Work is underway to install a system in Male' City, and a monitor will soon be installed in Villimale', the Environment Ministry said.
