Minister Shakeela announces Green Island Initiative, Green Business and Green Govt Program

World Environment Day celebrations in the Maldives have begun with a special ceremony held at Villimale this morning. At the ceremony “the Green Island Initiative” was officially announced by Minister of Environment and Energy, Dr. Mariyam Shakeela by unveiling of a billboard installed in front of the arrival terminal of Villimale.

Speaking at the ceremony Minister highlighted the relevance of this year’s World Environment Day theme “Green Economy: Does it include you?” to our society. She emphasized that the Maldives has already started working towards a green economy with the Nations carbon neutral pledge and stressed on the importance of using renewable energy at a large scale to minimize the nation’s dependency on oil.

Minister stated that the nationwide “green island challenge” will encourage individuals, communities and businesses to work together for a better and sustainable environment. Under the Green Island Initiative, the Environment Ministry will select the best home garden, Best Island for waste management and best green business. The winners will be announced on the next year’s World Environment Day. Minister also announced a new program targeted at government offices called the ‘Green Government’ at the event.

Ministry of Environment will soon make available to the public detailed information of the new programmes launched yesterday.

Minister also visited K. Villingili Muhyiddin School to officially inaugurate the exhibition on renewable energy. Several school children and government officials visited this exhibition to see the renewable energy products and models in display.