In the Maldives, there are several methods through which handcrafted objects, textiles and the artisans who produce these objects can be accessed.

• The most fulfilling and satisfying method is, of course, to contact the artisans themselves directly - hence, we have made an effort in our writing on individual crafts to provide the general location of practicing artisans, since it is rare that exact addresses can be obtained. The second access route is through contacts with NGOs and the Fair Trade Group Members who have close links with the artisan community. (These are listed under the Organisation section.)

• The third route is through contacting craft co-operatives and groups of craft producers who market their products on a collective basis.