Agreements Signed to Establish Nurseries in 10 Islands Under Five Million Tree-Planting Project
The government has signed agreements with 10 island councils to establish plant nurseries as part of the Five Million Tree-Planting Project, a nationwide initiative launched by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to plant five million trees over five years.
The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy stated that the project was officially launched on World Environment Day in 2024. Since its launch, more than 5.8 million tree-planting pledges have been received, while over 1.6 million trees have already been planted.
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According to the Ministry, the target for 2026 is to plant an additional one million trees across the Maldives. The ministry stated that developing infrastructure to support sustainable tree-planting efforts remains a key priority under the project.
As part of this effort, agreements were signed today to provide financial assistance to island councils for the establishment of nurseries in various regions of the country. In the first phase of the initiative, agreements were signed with councils from 10 islands.
The islands included in the first phase are Kelaa in Haa Alif Atoll, Milandhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Kendhikulhudhoo in Noonu Atoll, Innamadhoo in Raa Atoll, Maalhos in Baa Atoll, Mathiveri in Alifu Alifu Atoll, Mulah in Meemu Atoll, Kinbidhoo in Thaa Atoll, Dhaandhoo in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and Thinadhoo City in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
Under the agreements, each island will receive MVR 500,000 in financial assistance to develop its nursery. Stated by the ministry, construction of the nurseries must be completed within seven months of signing the agreements.
The nurseries will serve as the main centres supporting the Five Million Tree-Planting Project within their respective atolls, according to the ministry. Each nursery is expected to produce around 50,000 plants annually and will help improve the supply of plants to neighbouring islands.
Work is also underway to develop horticultural training programmes for nursery staff to strengthen the project’s long-term sustainability, according to the ministry.
The ministry stated that the nurseries will support long-term island and atoll development while creating economic opportunities for local councils and communities and that the initiative represents an important step towards achieving President Muizzu’s environmental commitments.
Further agreements to establish nurseries on additional islands will be signed later this year as the project continues to expand nationwide, the ministry added.
