Government Aims to Complete Hulhumalé Green Nursery by End of 2024

The Maldivian government expects to complete the construction of a massive Green Nursery in Hulhumalé Phase II by the end of this year. The facility is a cornerstone of the national 5 Million Tree Planting Programme, an initiative launched by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to restore lost vegetation and bolster environmental conservation across the archipelago. Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Ali Shareef announced during a press briefing at the President’s Office that the project is currently 30 percent complete. Physical construction began in January, with the foundation work now nearing completion. The project is being developed with free technical and financial assistance from the Chinese government, and ownership will eventually be transferred to the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). Spanning over 55,000 square feet, the nursery is designed as more than just a planting site. It will feature specialized laboratories, greenhouses, and office spaces, alongside classrooms dedicated to hosting environmental awareness programs for school children. These facilities aim to integrate scientific research with community education to ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation's greenery. The national goal for the current year was to plant one million trees; however, Minister Shareef revealed that the government has already surpassed this target, planting more than 2.3 million trees so far in 2024. Beyond the central hub in Hulhumalé, the government is scaling its efforts nationwide. Agreements have been signed to establish green nurseries on 20 different islands to decentralize reforestation efforts. Work has already commenced on 10 of these islands, with foundation work starting in R. Innamaadhoo and earthworks underway in the remaining nine locations. This network of nurseries is intended to provide a steady supply of native saplings and localized expertise to support the ambitious 5 million tree goal.