Cultivating Climate Resilience: Malafehi Nursery Takes Root in Kulhudhuffushi

Disasters disproportionately impact women and girls. Yet, their voices are often missing from the table when it comes to planning and preparing for these events. This is where initiatives like the Maldivian Red Crescent's Strengthening Preparedness and Resilience through Inclusive Community Governance (SPRING) Project come in, empowering women to become active change-makers in disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Over the past five years, Kulhudhuffushi City has witnessed a sudden rise in flooding incidents. These occurrences are frequently linked to rapid urbanization, unsustainable development practices, and the loss of critical coastal and inland vegetation. As housing and infrastructure demands increases, vital green spaces continue to diminish — putting both biodiversity and community resilience at risk.

In response to these pressing environmental challenges, the Maldivian Red Crescent, in collaboration with the Kulhudhuffushi City Council, launched the “Malafehi Nursery” in January 2025. This initiative is a key component of ongoing ecosystem restoration efforts aimed at building long-term climate resilience and protecting the island's natural environment.

Malafehi Nursery focuses on propagating a diverse array of plant species, including mangroves and native flora, with the goal of fostering the growth of lush greenery and contributing substantially to the city's environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

The nursery is managed by the Maldivian Red Crescent, in close coordination with the Kulhudhuffushi City Council. Its establishment followed a specialized training program conducted by the Hanimadhoo Agriculture Center / Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare. Through this program, personnel from both MRC and the City Council were equipped with basic knowledge in nursery management, plant propagation, and disease prevention.

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