The Maldives and the European Union have signed a financing agreement for a community-based mangrove protection and regeneration project aimed at strengthening climate resilience and environmental conservation efforts across the country.

The agreement was exchanged during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Sheryna Abdul Samad signed the agreement on behalf of the Government, while Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to the Maldives Dr Johann Hesse formally handed over the signed document on behalf of EU Ambassador Maria Carmen Moreno Raymundo.

Under the agreement, the European Union will provide a grant of four million euros to support mangrove conservation, coastal protection and climate adaptation initiatives through community-based programmes. Authorities stated that the project is expected to contribute towards implementation of the Maldives’ Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement through nature-based climate resilience and coastal adaptation efforts.

Speaking during the ceremony, State Minister Sheryna expressed appreciation for the European Union’s continued support to the Maldives, particularly in areas related to climate action and environmental protection. She noted that the EU has remained a long-standing development partner of the Maldives across multiple sectors.

Dr Hesse stated that mangroves play an important role in protecting coastlines, conserving biodiversity and storing carbon, while stressing the importance of community participation and policy support in ensuring long-term environmental protection.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the initiative is expected to strengthen local capacity for sustainable environmental management while increasing community engagement in the protection of vulnerable ecosystems across the Maldives.