Minister of Climate change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef stated the Green Nursery being built under the Government’s 5 Million Tree planting Programme is aimed to be completed within this year.
The Minister made the remarks during a press meeting held at the President’s Office.
The 5 Million Tree Planting Programme was announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu with the aim of replanting the trees that that the Maldives has lost and to conserve the environment.
The minister stated that programme aimed to plant one million tress within this year. He added that so far this year more than 2.3 million trees have been planted.
The minister noted that 30 percent of the nursery’s work has been completed so far, with the physical work of the project having started in January.
Minister Shareef stated that the development of the nursery is ongoing with free assistance from the Chinese Government. He reiterated that 30 percent of the work has been completed, with the foundation being close to done. He said that going forward HDC would take ownership of the nursery.
The minister stated that the Nursery is being built in Hulhumale’ Phase II. He noted that the Nursery would be over 55,000 square feet and would have laboratories, classrooms, office spaces and would have a greenhouse.
The Government plans to establish Green Nurseries throughout the Maldives. In this regard Minister Shareef stated that the agreements have been signed to establish green Nurseries in 20 islands and that work has already begun on 10 of the islands.
Minister Shareef stated that the foundation of the nursery has started in R. Innamaadhoo, while earthwork has started in the rest of the nine islands.
The Ministry noted that the nursey is designed to hold awareness programmes with school children.