When travelling abroad most visitors are sometimes not sure whether a local souvenir is actually local at all. Souvenir shops in the capital Malé, and several other islands, carry a mix of locally made handicrafts and overseas imports. They might feature a ‘Made in Maldives’ tag but often times this may not be the case.

But, when you purchase a product of a UNDP-supported handicraft centre, you are guaranteed a Maldivian product – the Authentic Maldivian Handicraft logo and artist’s signature on the product packaging is proof that your souvenir is the genuine article.

The local organization managing the centres on their respective islands together with UNDP, are the guarantors of authenticity of the products being marketed. These organizations coordinate production and delivery of local handicrafts to souvenir shops and resorts within the atoll and to Male’.