Maldives Launches Tree Guardian Badge to Engage Youth in 5 Million Tree Project

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has partnered with the Scout Association of Maldives to integrate the nation's youth into a massive national reforestation drive. The initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to support President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ambitious goal of planting five million trees across the archipelago. Central to this partnership is the introduction of the "Tree Guardian Badge," a progressive certification designed to move beyond the act of planting toward long-term environmental stewardship. To earn the badge, scouts must complete five distinct stages: planting a tree, identifying its species, studying the local ecosystem, nurturing the plant's growth, and fulfilling a dedicated environmental pledge. Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef emphasized that the project is not merely about hitting numerical targets but about restoring the natural beauty and ecological health of the islands. He noted that the badge system was developed through collaborative discussions to ensure the scouts' contributions were structured and impactful. Chief Commissioner of the Scout Association, Ismail Rifau, described the agreement as a historic milestone. He highlighted that while planting a tree is a brief activity, ensuring its survival requires a long-term commitment, aligning perfectly with the scouting values of service, responsibility, and integrity. To maximize impact, the program is tailored to four age-specific categories. Children aged 5 to 11 will focus on initial planting and fostering a love for nature, while those aged 11 to 12 will conduct basic research and provide care for at least one month. Scouts aged 12 to 18 will work in teams to plant native species and manage them for up to three months. The eldest cohort, aged 18 to 26, will take on leadership roles, planning reforestation projects and mentoring younger participants over six months. The Ministry will provide the necessary land plots and saplings to facilitate the program. By combining government resources with the energy of the youth, the initiative seeks to build climate resilience and instill a sense of leadership and environmental duty in the next generation of Maldivians.