Thursday
17th Sep 2026
Dhivehi Edition
Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy
Nurseries to Be Established in 10 More Islands Under Five Million Trees Programme
Hulhumale' Nursery, Photo: HDC
The Government has provided financial assistance to 10 additional island councils to establish plant nurseries to support the national Five Million Trees Planting Programme.
Agreements with the 10 councils were formally signed at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy. The nurseries will produce trees for planting under the nationwide initiative and will also supply saplings to nearby islands and other areas.
The 10 islands selected for the latest phase 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 is confident that the target of planting one million trees this year, set by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, will be achieved before the end of 2026.
Shareef said around 600,000 trees have been planted so far this year, bringing the total number of trees planted across the Maldives under the programme to 1.8 million.
The Minister said the programme is not limited to planting conventional tree species, with particular emphasis also being placed on fruit-bearing trees where possible.
He added that nurseries are being established on islands that meet specific criteria and where councils are willing to support the initiative, with the aim of ensuring that the programme can continue sustainably in the long term.
Trees produced at the new nurseries will be distributed to nearby areas and other islands to support planting efforts across the country.
The Five Million Trees Planting Programme was officially launched on World Environment Day in 2024 as part of President Muizzu’s pledge to plant five million trees across the Maldives. The initiative aims to restore declining tree cover, increase greenery across the islands and strengthen environmental and ecosystem protection.