President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced a decision to allocate MVR 7 million annually from the Maldives Green Fund to strengthen environmental protection and conservation efforts across the country.
The announcement was made in a message marking World Environment Day, where the President called for greater national commitment to safeguarding the Maldives’ fragile ecosystems amid growing environmental and climate-related challenges.
Describing World Environment Day as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s environmental future, Muizzu stressed the importance of preserving the natural environment for future generations while pursuing sustainable development.
He noted that this year’s global theme for World Environment Day carries particular significance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as the Maldives, which remain among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
According to the President, the effects of climate change are already being felt across the Maldives through increasingly severe weather events, rising sea levels, coastal erosion and damage to coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
“We are already experiencing the consequences of climate change,” the President said, adding that while international cooperation remains essential in addressing global environmental threats, countries must also take meaningful action at the national level.
Muizzu emphasized that the Maldives’ economy and way of life are deeply intertwined with its natural environment. He noted that the country’s global appeal as a tourism destination is built upon its white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity, including species such as whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles.
Tourism, which remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy, depends heavily on the health of these ecosystems. Environmental experts have long warned that degradation of reefs, beaches and marine habitats could have significant economic consequences for the country in addition to environmental impacts.
The President said one of the longstanding challenges in environmental conservation has been the lack of dedicated and predictable funding to support long-term protection efforts.
To address this issue, he announced that MVR 7 million will be allocated annually from the Green Fund specifically for environmental protection initiatives. The allocation will be provided in addition to existing budgetary resources already designated for environmental programmes.
According to the President, the funding will be used to strengthen the management and protection of environmentally sensitive areas, conserve biodiversity, support endangered species protection and improve monitoring of protected sites throughout the country.
The funds are also expected to support environmental research, data collection and public awareness initiatives aimed at increasing understanding of environmental issues.
In addition, the government plans to utilize the funding to strengthen technical expertise in environmental management and expand collaboration with non-governmental organizations, community groups and school environmental clubs.
Officials hope these partnerships will encourage greater public participation in conservation efforts while helping build long-term environmental stewardship among younger generations.
The announcement comes as the government continues to roll out several environmental initiatives, including the Five Million Trees Programme, renewable energy projects and coastal protection schemes designed to improve climate resilience.
The administration has also pledged to increase renewable energy generation and strengthen waste management systems across the country as part of its broader environmental agenda.
Muizzu expressed hope that the new funding mechanism would provide greater continuity for conservation efforts and allow authorities to plan and implement longer-term projects that deliver lasting benefits.
He said the goal is to ensure environmental protection remains a national priority while creating a legacy that future generations of Maldivians can be proud of.
The Maldives Green Fund was established to finance environmental protection, climate adaptation and sustainability initiatives. The latest announcement is expected to further strengthen the fund’s role in supporting conservation efforts at a time when climate change and environmental degradation continue to pose significant challenges for island nations worldwide.
