The Government has officially launched the Vilunveshi Grant Programme to support climate resilience, environmental sustainability and food security through innovative and sustainable solutions.

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy said the programme is designed to promote innovative ideas and digital solutions while creating opportunities to generate income through environmentally sustainable practices. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with SME Digital and the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources.

Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef officially inaugurated the programme. It forms part of the Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security (ECRFS) project, which aims to strengthen the resilience of communities and the environment to climate-related risks.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ali Shareef highlighted the important role of private businesses in strengthening resilience to climate change and advancing sustainable development. He said the matching grant scheme would provide practical financial support for priority areas such as food and water security and digitalisation.

The programme aims to remove financial barriers faced by innovators and provide funding to individuals, civil society organisations, young innovators, women, and small and medium-sized enterprises to implement innovative ideas.