The first of 20 planned nurseries under the government’s five million tree programme has officially opened in S. Meedhoo, as part of efforts to expand the initiative across the Maldives.
The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy said the nursery was developed on a 23,000-square-foot plot. It is among the nurseries funded by the ministry under agreements signed this year for the development of facilities across the country.
The ministry said the new nursery will help expand the programme at atoll level, making it easier for islands in the region to access trees for planting.
Work on the remaining 19 nurseries is progressing, with the ministry aiming to complete the facilities as soon as possible.
The ministry described the establishment of nurseries across the Maldives as an important step towards protecting the country’s fragile environment for future generations. It added that the initiative would also create new income-generating opportunities for island councils through the sale of trees.
A separate 55,000-square-foot nursery is also being developed in Hulhumalé with grant assistance from the Chinese government. According to the ministry, construction is expected to be completed and the facility opened next year.
The five million tree programme is a pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to plant five million trees across the Maldives within five years.
Launched on 5 June 2024, in conjunction with World Environment Day, the programme has so far seen 2.4 million trees planted, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
The government says the initiative aims to establish a greener, more environmentally friendly Maldives while strengthening efforts to adapt to climate change.
