Maldives Introduces National Agroforestry Policy to Boost Sustainability and Food Security

The Maldives has officially launched its ‘National Policy on Agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests 2026’, aimed at integrating agricultural practices with environmental sustainability. Developed in collaboration with World Agroforestry (ICRAF) and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR–ICRAF), the policy was handed over by Dr Elian Ubalijuro, Director General of World Agroforestry, to Maryam Mariya, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare. The policy seeks to revive trees in farmland and residential areas, emphasizing environmental protection and agricultural productivity. It highlights the importance of agroforestry in mitigating climate change impacts and strengthening food security. The policy also includes incentives for agricultural associations and tree planting initiatives, as well as scientific research to revive indigenous plant species. Agroforestry, which integrates crops with standing trees without clearing tall vegetation, is seen as a sustainable alternative to current practices that often involve deforestation.