Following the exchange, State Minister Sheryna expressed appreciation to the European Union for its continued support to the Maldives across a range of areas, particularly in advancing climate change initiatives and environmental protection efforts.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Government of the Republic of Maldives and the European Union have signed the Financing Agreement for the project, ‘Community-based Mangrove Protection and Regeneration in the Maldives,’ aimed at strengthening climate resilience and supporting environmental conservation efforts across the country.
The Agreement was exchanged during a ceremony held on 21 May 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Maldives, the Agreement was signed by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Her Excellency Sheryna Abdul Samad. The Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to the Maldives, Dr Johann Hesse, formally handed over the signed Agreement on behalf of the Ambassador of the European Union to the Maldives, Her Excellency Maria Carmen Moreno Raymundo.
Following the exchange, State Minister Sheryna expressed appreciation to the European Union for its continued support to the Maldives across a range of areas, particularly in advancing climate change initiatives and environmental protection efforts.
The European Union has long been a valued development partner to the Maldives across a broad range of sectors. We are particularly appreciative of its continued support in advancing the Maldives’ climate action priorities and strengthening our environmental protection efforts.
Under the Agreement, the European Union will provide a grant of 4 million Euros to support the role mangroves play in biodiversity conservation, coastal protection, and climate change mitigation and adaptation, through community-based initiatives. 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.
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.
The initiative is expected to strengthen local capacity for sustainable environmental management while promoting community engagement in protecting vulnerable ecosystems across the Maldives. It also reflects the continued partnership between the Maldives and the European Union in turning climate commitments into tangible action on the ground and advancing sustainable development priorities.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of the Delegation of the European Union to the Maldives.
