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Atmosphere Foundation launches Bamboo for Climate Mitigation project in Maldives

Malika Shahid
18 May 2023, MVT 12:46
Vice President of the Atmosphere Foundation, Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem speaking during the seminar "Working Towards a Carbon-Neutral Maldives with Bamboo" -- Photo: Nishan Ali / The Edition
Malika Shahid
18 May 2023, MVT 12:46

The Atmosphere Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, and the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, has launched the "Bamboo for Climate Mitigation" project in the Maldives.

The project aims to address climate change through two key initiatives, including large-scale planting of bamboo seedlings across islands and seed germination and propagation for ongoing research and sustainable practices.

Guests attending the "Working Towards a Carbon-Neutral Maldives with Bamboo" seminar -- Photo: Nishan Ali / The Edition

The project is lead by Vice President of the Atmosphere Foundation, Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem together with the two ministries.

In late May, as part of the initial phase of the project, a total of 500 bamboo seedlings will be distributed. The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology will distribute 250 seedlings to community islands, while the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture will distribute the remaining 250 seedlings to industrial islands.

Special Envoy for Climate Change at the President's Office Sabra Noordeen (L) and Director of Crown Company Ahmed Nazeer (R) attending the seminar "Working Towards a Carbon-Neutral Maldives with Bamboo" -- Photo: Nishan Ali / The Edition

Bamboo seeds have already been distributed to community islands, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), individuals, commercial agriculture islands, and the Hanimaadho Agriculture Center. In addition, resorts owned by Atmosphere Core Pvt Ltd will incorporate bamboo seeds into their landscaping programs. The initiative is expected to make a significant contribution to the Maldives' goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

Under the Foundation's commitment to community-driven programs to raise awareness and education, a seminar titled "Working Towards a Carbon-Neutral Maldives with Bamboo" took place on Wednesday. Dr. Nambi Barathi, the Founder and Director of Growmore Biotech Ltd and a 20-year veteran in bamboo research delivered a keynote address during the seminar. Dr. Barathi spoke about the effective and mitigative measures for the Maldives to successfully achieve its target of becoming a net-zero carbon emissions country by 2030.

Guest speaker Dr. Barathi delivering his speech during the seminar -- Photo: Nishan Ali / The Edition

During his address, Dr. Barathi emphasized the versatility and numerous benefits of bamboo plants, highlighting their capacity to enhance soil quality, foster a healthier environment, and mitigate the effects of global warming through significant carbon absorption and the release of 35 percent more oxygen compared to other plants. In addition, Dr. Barathi also highlighted the diverse range of practical applications for bamboo in construction, textiles, and crafts, among many others.

The Atmosphere Foundation is an NGO established on December 30, 2021, with a mission to enhance local communities through voluntary services, promote civic engagement, facilitate community development, by organizing educational and training initiatives.

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