Ministry Conducts Guidance Session for Active Aaruveri Grant Applicants

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Ocean Resources today hosted an online information session for registered participants under the World Bank-funded TransFORM Project's Aaruveri Matching Grant facility.

Conducted directly from the Ministry, today’s session was structured to assist prospective applicants currently preparing proposals for the four primary grant categories that were officially opened in late August. During the briefing, technical expert provided comprehensive guidance on submission standards, financial feasibility requirements, and operational compliance needed to access the co-financing facility.

The presentation centered entirely on navigating the proposal requirements for the four active grant windows currently accepting applications. These active windows include the Manufacturing Grant offering up to MVR 30.84 million for processing and distributing fresh or chilled fish products, and the Fisheries Industry Decarbonization Grant providing up to MVR 30.84 million for large-scale renewable energy transitions. Additionally, guidance was provided for the Processors Development Grant, which offers up to MVR 12.76 million for upgrading facility standards, and the Circular Economy Development Grant, offering up to MVR 1.08 million for implementing sustainable waste management technologies across operations.

Following this initial focus on active proposals, the Ministry is set to expand the Aaruveri facility next month by opening proposal submissions for the remaining three targeted categories:

• Fishing Fleet Decarbonization Grant: Offers up to MVR 3.08 million to upgrade vessel energy efficiency and integrate clean energy technologies across the domestic fleet.

• SME Development Grant: Allocates up to MVR 2.77 million to expand small and medium enterprises operating within ocean value chains, prioritizing youth- and women-led ventures.

• Mariculture Development Grant: Provides up to MVR 1.27 million in capital support for live fish trade, marine farming infrastructure, and innovative mariculture products.

Today's session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment addressing specific technical and administrative questions regarding the active application phase. The Ministry noted that registration for subsequent information sessions remains open, with official application guidelines, eligibility requirements, and portal submission forms accessible directly through the dedicated website at aaruveri.fishagriocean.gov.mv.

The ‘Aaruveri’ Matching Grant operates under the "Transforming Fisheries Management in South West Indian Ocean Region and Maldives" (TransFORM) Project, supported by USD 64.8 million from the World Bank. Commencing in 2023 and running through 2030, the TransFORM initiative aims to strengthen evidence-based fisheries management across the Southwest Indian Ocean region and bolster the competitiveness and self-reliance of the Maldivian fisheries sector.

Ensuring the long-term sustainability, competitiveness, and economic resilience of private enterprises, SMEs, fishers, and individual operators remains a cornerstone of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s economic agenda, with the ‘Aaruveri’ program serving as a foundational pillar toward achieving these national objectives.