The first of 20 nurseries planned across the Maldives under the government’s five million tree programme has opened in Seenu atoll Meedhoo.

The Environment Ministry said the nursery occupies 23,000 square feet of land and was developed with funding from the ministry.

The facility is expected to expand the programme at atoll level and make trees more accessible to islands in the region, the ministry said.

Work on 19 additional nurseries is progressing, with the ministry aiming to complete them as soon as possible.

The ministry said establishing nurseries across the country would help protect the Maldives’ fragile environment for future generations. The facilities are also expected to create opportunities for island councils to sell trees and generate revenue.

A 55,000-square-foot nursery is being developed in Hulhumale' with free assistance from the Chinese government. The ministry expects the facility to be completed and opened next year.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to plant five million trees across the country within the government’s five year term.

Launched on 5 June 2024 to mark World Environment Day, the programme has so far seen 2.4 million trees planted, according to the Agriculture Ministry.

The ministry said the programme aims to create a greener environment and strengthen efforts to address climate change.