Signing of Agreements for the 2nd Round of Establishing Nurseries in 20 Islands: Major Boost for the 5 Million Tree-Planting Project

The 5 Million Tree-Planting Project is a presidential pledge made by His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to plant 5 million trees over 5 years.

The project was officially inaugurated on World Environment Day in 2024. To date, pledges to plant over 5.8 million trees have been received, with more than 1.8 million trees already planted. The target for the current year, 2026, is to plant an additional 1 million trees. Special attention will be given to developing infrastructure under this project to ensure the tree-planting initiative is carried out sustainably.

Today, agreements were signed to provide grant aid to island councils for establishing nurseries across various islands, under the 5 Million Tree-Planting Project launched by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Placing special emphasis on developing nurseries throughout the Maldives, the President has successfully signed agreements for 10 islands in the first round and 10 islands in the second round, with practical work already underway in several of these islands.

The 10 Islands Included in the First Round of the Project:

• HA. Kelaa
• Sh. Milandhoo
• N. Kendhikulhudhoo
• R. Innamaadhoo
• B. Maalhos
• ADh. Mathiveri
• M. Mulah
• Th. Kibidhoo
• GA. Dhaandhoo
• GDh. Thinadhoo City

The 10 Islands Included in the Second Round of the Project:

• HDh. Nolhivaram
• ADH. Dhidhdhoo
• F. Dharanboodhoo
• Dh. Meedhoo
• L. Hithadhoo
• L. Fonadhoo
• Fuvahmulah City
• S. Meedhoo
• GDh. Vaadhoo
• K. Himmafushi

Under these agreements, each island is scheduled to receive MVR 500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Rufiyaa) in financial aid to develop its nursery. The nursery work must be completed within seven months from the date of signing the agreement. These nurseries will serve as the primary hubs for carrying out the 5 million tree-planting project within their respective atolls.

It is estimated that each nursery will cultivate approximately 50,000 saplings per year. Furthermore, these nurseries will provide significant ease in supplying necessary plants to neighboring islands.

These nurseries are vital, long-term resources that will contribute to the development of the islands and atolls. They will provide substantial financial benefits to island councils and drive economic progress across the islands. Additionally, this is a crucial step toward fulfilling President Dr. Muizzu’s presidential pledge to protect the environment.

To strengthen this project, efforts are currently underway with assistance from China to conduct necessary training programs for the staff working at these nurseries.

Furthermore, construction of a state-of-the-art, 55,000-square-foot nursery in Hulhumalé Phase 2, funded through a grant from the Chinese government, is progressing at a rapid pace. The entire project is estimated to be fully completed and inaugurated on June 5, 2027.