The Edition
facebook icon twitter icon instagram icon linkedin icon

Latest

'Daily One', a man's campaign for greener pastures

Raif Amyl Jalyl
15 August 2019, MVT 12:23
Two children partaking in former Councillor Saud Ali's efforts for a greener Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Saud's Daily One receives unanimous enthusiastic support.
Raif Amyl Jalyl
15 August 2019, MVT 12:23

The tree-planting campaign 'Daily One' initiated by former Councillor of Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Saud Ali has planted approximately its 500th plant since inception in October 2018.

Under the program, a coconut palm or a tree is planted in various locations of the island daily.

The campaign is conducted as Saud's personal endeavour to expand the greenery at Thinadhoo to help reduce the rate and effects of soil erosion and increase awareness and interest for caring about the environment in the community.

It was Saud's response after much deliberate contemplation to the common sentiment about the heatwave felt in the island.

Numerous participants, including children, families and special delegates visiting the island, have contributed to the program by planting some 500 seedlings of different varieties.

Daily One also received further encouragement as President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih showed his support for the campaign by planting a coconut palm seedling in a a plot at a western region of the island on July 13, 2019.

According to the former Councillor, there was no protective shade from the heat in the western part of the island due to lack of trees in the area.

"The affects of salt is experienced from that area till the centre of the island. Locals near the region are unable to plant vegetation due to the salt. Many complain of rusted roofs as a result. So I thought about how I could resolve the issue", said Saud.

Many children have expressed enthusiasm to actively partake in Saud's efforts. Children around the age of 11 have taken up leadership roles in the care and nurture of the trees planted in Daily One. Accordingly, children converge every day between 1700- 1730 to help.

An elderly resident taking a photo with Saud Ali after planting a tree for the Daily One program.

As of present day, nine Ministers have planted coconut palms under Saud's campaign for a greener Thinadhoo.

Each individual is presented the opportunity to plant a singular tree under the program.

Saud began at home, having planted 100 coconut palm seedlings that rooted and grew. The palm trees were replanted in various locations and beaches around the island. Subsequently, he began planting the trees in various homes across Thinadhoo.

Saud highlighted that Daily One has received a lot of enthusiasm, traction and support from locals of the island.

"We are getting protective shade from the trees previously planted under the program. There are no costs to planting vegetation in the soil - only benefits".

Share this story

Discuss

MORE ON NEWS