The government has announced the development of two nurseries in Laamu Gan and one nursery in Phase II of Hulhumale' as part of the presidential pledge to plant five million trees across the Maldives.
An MoU has been signed between the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to establish the nurseries in Gan. These include a 20,000-square-foot nursery and a larger 100,000-square-foot nursery.
Deputy Minister Ahmed Atheef, who oversees the program, said the 20,000-square-foot nursery is expected to be operational by the end of this year, while the 100,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to open by July 2026. He described the nurseries as a turning point for the nationwide tree-planting initiative, noting that sourcing trees locally remains the biggest challenge.
Rendering of a plant nursery as planned by the government to be developed in Laamu Gan and Phase II of Hulhumale' as part of the presidential pledge to plant five million trees across the Maldives. (Photo/Environment Ministry)
In Hulhumale', a 55,000-square-foot nursery is being developed with assistance from the Chinese government. The facility will include a meeting room, laboratory, office space, and accommodation for workers.
The ministry confirmed that a delegation visited China earlier this year to discuss the nursery’s design and the types of trees to be cultivated. The nursery will be designed to host public awareness programs, including educational visits for school children.
The five million trees initiative was officially launched on June 5, 2024, World Environment Day, as part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s environmental pledge.