Ten Islands Receive Grants to Establish Nurseries for Five Million Tree Initiative

Ten Islands Receive Grants to Establish Nurseries for Five Million Tree Initiative

World ·
The Maldivian government has extended financial assistance to 10 additional islands to establish plant nurseries, accelerating the national Five Million Tree Planting Programme. The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy formalized these agreements through signing ceremonies with the respective island councils. The recipient islands include Haa Dhaalu Nolhivaram, Kaafu Himmafushi, Alifu Dhaalu Dhidhdhoo, Faafu Dharanboodhoo, Dhaalu Meedhoo, Laamu Fonadhoo, Laamu Hithadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Vaadhoo, Fuvahmulah City, and Seenu Meedhoo. These nurseries will serve as hubs for cultivating essential tree species, which will then be distributed to nearby islands to ensure wider environmental coverage. Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef stated that the government is on track to meet President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ambitious target of planting one million trees this year. According to the Minister, 600,000 trees have already been planted in 2024, bringing the total count under the national programme to 1.8 million. Beyond increasing greenery, Minister Shareef emphasized that the initiative prioritizes fruit-bearing trees to provide tangible benefits to local communities. The selection of islands for nursery establishment is based on specific environmental criteria and the willingness of local councils to sustain the initiative over the long term. Launched on World Environment Day 2024, the Five Million Tree Planting Programme is a central pillar of the administration's environmental strategy. The initiative aims to restore endangered indigenous tree species, enhance the archipelago's natural greenery, and protect fragile ecosystems from the impacts of climate change. By decentralizing the production of saplings through these island-based nurseries, the government intends to create a sustainable model for reforestation that can be maintained by the communities themselves, ensuring the program's longevity beyond the initial planting phase.