Maldives signs agreements to establish agroforestry plantations on 10 islands

The Maldives has signed agreements to establish agroforestry plantations across 10 islands as part of a national goal to plant 5 million trees and ensure food security. The initiative follows a pledge made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

State Minister Mohamed Naif signed the agreements on behalf of the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources, while representatives from the local island councils signed for the designated sites. The participating islands include Baarah, Ingurahdhoo, Kadhidhoo, Mafushi, Thulusdhoo, Veyvah, Isdhoo, Gemanafushi, Hoddeedhoo, and Fiyoshi.

Agroforestry involves planting trees and various crops together in an environmentally friendly manner. The project, a joint effort between the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources and the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, will create modern plantations ranging from 2 to 4 hectares in size. These sites will focus on long-term timber species and short-term food crops to boost domestic production and reduce import costs.