The Government has provided financial assistance to 10 additional islands to establish nurseries that will grow trees needed for the national Five Million Tree Planting Programme.
The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy signed agreements with the councils receiving the assistance during a special ceremony held at the ministry.
The 10 islands receiving financial assistance are Haa Dhaalu Nolhivaram, Kaafu Himmafushi, Alifu Dhaalu Dhidhdhoo, Faafu Dharanboodhoo, Dhaalu Meedhoo, Laamu Fonadhoo, Laamu Hithadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Vaadhoo, Fuvahmulah City and Seenu Meedhoo.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef said the Government expects to meet President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's target of planting one million trees this year before the end of 2026.
Minister Ali Shareef said 600,000 trees have already been planted this year, bringing the total number planted across the Maldives under the programme to 1.8 million.
Minister Ali Shareef said the programme goes beyond simply planting trees, with priority also given, wherever possible, to planting fruit-bearing trees. He said nurseries are being established on islands that meet specific criteria, with the programme carried out in collaboration with councils willing to support the initiative.
The Minister said the aim is to ensure the programme continues sustainably in the future. Trees grown at the nurseries established on these islands will be distributed to nearby areas and other islands for planting.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the Five Million Tree Planting Programme as a key pledge to restore tree species that are disappearing and endangered in the Maldives, increase greenery across the islands and preserve the environment and ecosystem.
The Government officially launched the programme on World Environment Day in 2024.