The government has provided assistance to 10 additional island councils to establish nurseries under its Five Million Trees Planting Programme.

The programme, launched by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, aims to increase the country’s green cover and restore trees that have been lost.

The Ministry of Environment said agreements were signed yesterday with councils from 10 islands as part of the second phase of a plan to establish 20 nurseries across the Maldives.

The councils are from Haa Dhaalu Nolhivaram, Addu City Hithadhoo, Faafu Dharanboodhoo, Dhaalu Meedhoo, Laamu Hithadhoo, Laamu Fonadhoo, Fuvahmulah City, Seenu Meedhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Vaadhoo and Kaafu Hinmafushi.

Each island will receive MVR 500,000, bringing the total funding for the 10 nurseries to MVR 5 million.

The nurseries must be completed within seven months of signing the agreements and will serve as key centres for producing seedlings for the Five Million Trees Planting Programme.

According to the ministry, each nursery is expected to produce around 50,000 seedlings annually.

The ministry is also working to strengthen the programme by providing training for staff who will work at the nurseries.