A national policy on agroforestry has been formulated and formally handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, marking a step towards reshaping agricultural practices in the Maldives.
The National Policy on Agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests 2026 was developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in collaboration with World Agroforestry and the Center for International Forestry Research. The policy was handed over by Dr Elian Ubalijuro, Director General of World Agroforestry, to Maryam Mariya, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare.
According to the Ministry, the primary objective of the policy is to establish an agricultural system that delivers both economic and environmental benefits by reviving trees in farmland and residential areas across the Maldives. The policy recognises the country’s unique environmental conditions and soil-related challenges, and places particular emphasis on the protection of reeds and coastal vegetation.
The policy highlights agroforestry as a tool for supporting agricultural development while contributing to vegetation regeneration. It also outlines the role of such practices in mitigating the impacts of climate change and strengthening food security, positioning agroforestry as part of a broader response to environmental and economic pressures.
Under the policy, agriculture is envisioned as a climate-adapted and sustainable livelihood. Incentives are to be introduced to empower agriculture-related associations and encourage tree planting, while scientific research will be used to revive and sustainably utilise indigenous plant species found in the Maldives.
The Ministry said the policy is expected to contribute to environmental protection while increasing agricultural productivity, with potential long-term economic benefits for the country.
Agroforestry refers to agricultural practices that integrate crops with standing trees, without clearing tall vegetation. In contrast to the prevailing practice of clearing land by cutting down trees, agroforestry is recognised as an approach that supports environmental protection and long-term sustainability, and is being promoted as an agricultural system to be revived in the Maldives.
