The European Union (EU) has committed a grant of four million euros (USD 4.6 million / MVR 71.6 million) to fund a project dedicated to the protection and restoration of mangrove ecosystems across the Maldives.
The agreement for the project, titled "Community-Based Mangrove Protection and Regeneration in the Maldives," was signed during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. State Minister Sheryna Abdul Samad signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldivian government, while Dr. Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation, officially presented the agreement on behalf of the EU Ambassador to the Maldives.
Under this agreement, the EU will provide four million euros in grant aid. The objectives of the project include protecting mangroves through community engagement, preserving biodiversity, enhancing coastal protection, and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change.
"This support directly contributes to the implementation of the Maldives’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 3.0 under the Paris Agreement by enhancing nature-based climate resilience and community-led adaptation in coastal areas," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said this initiative marks a significant step toward achieving the climate goals set by the Maldives under the Paris Agreement.
Speaking at the signing ceremony this morning, Dr. Johann Hesse highlighted that mangroves are vital resources for coastal protection and preservation. However, he emphasized that sustainable protection can only be achieved through active public participation and the implementation of robust policies.
“Mangroves protect coasts, conserve biodiversity and store carbon, but their survival depends on local engagement and strong policy frameworks. Through this programme, the EU is supporting Maldivian communities and authorities to combine grassroots action with improved laws and planning, creating lasting benefits for ecosystems and people," he stated.
The Foreign Ministry further noted that the project will empower local communities to play a larger role in safeguarding the Maldives' fragile environment and enhance the national capacity for sustainable environmental management.
