15.3 Supporting Land Ecosystems Through Action

The Maldives National University (MNU) contributes to the conservation and sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems through environmental planning, responsible land-use practices and community collaboration. The university supports initiatives that promote the maintenance of vegetation, conservation of natural environments and sustainable management of shared green spaces. Through partnerships with local councils, government institutions and communities, MNU encourages collective responsibility for protecting terrestrial ecosystems and maintaining environmentally sustainable landscapes across the Maldives.

15.3.3 – Local Biodiversity Included in Planning and Development

MNU recognises the importance of incorporating local biodiversity, terrestrial ecosystem conservation and sustainable land management into planning and development activities. Through environmental resource assessments and sustainable development planning, the university supports approaches that consider natural resources, environmental conditions and the potential impacts of development on terrestrial environments. These initiatives contribute to strengthening environmental considerations in land-use planning and supporting the long-term conservation of island ecosystems.

2024 – Environmental Resource Planning and Sustainable Land Management

Resilient and Sustainable Environmental Resource Utilisation and Development Plan – Kulhudhuffushi City

MNU contributed to the development of the Resilient and Sustainable Environmental Resource Utilisation and Development Plan for Kulhudhuffushi City. The initiative focused on assessing environmental resources and identifying environmental pressures associated with development and changing environmental conditions. The planning process supported sustainable natural resource management, responsible land-use planning and consideration of terrestrial environmental conditions in local development decisions.

By contributing to environmental resource planning, MNU supported efforts to strengthen the integration of environmental considerations into development processes and promote the sustainable management of island land resources.

2025 – Research Supporting Sustainable Land-Use Planning

Satellite Imagery for Shoreline Monitoring and Farmland Mapping

MNU registered a research project examining the application of satellite imagery for shoreline monitoring and agricultural land mapping. The project focused on using geospatial information to support sustainable land-use planning, terrestrial environmental monitoring and responsible management of agricultural land resources.

The research has potential to contribute to evidence-based planning by improving understanding of land-use patterns and environmental changes affecting island landscapes.

2026 – Sustainable Campus Development Planning

Environmental Considerations in MNU Campus Development Projects

MNU incorporated sustainable design considerations into the planning and development of campus infrastructure projects across several islands. The recorded projects include developments in Vilimalé, M. Muli, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, Th. Vilufushi and Ga. Kolamaafushi.

These initiatives reflect institutional efforts towards responsible land development and environmentally sustainable campus planning.

Supporting evidence: MNU Projects Team records, 2026. No public biodiversity planning document was identified in the activity records.

15.3.5 – Collaboration for Shared Land Ecosystems

MNU actively engages with local councils, government institutions and community stakeholders to promote the conservation and sustainable management of shared terrestrial ecosystems. Through collaborative tree-planting initiatives and community-based vegetation management, the university contributes to maintaining public green spaces and encouraging shared responsibility for terrestrial environmental conservation.

These partnerships promote sustainable land management, ecosystem stewardship, vegetation conservation and community participation in protecting and maintaining island environments.

2024 – Community Collaboration for Terrestrial Ecosystem Conservation

Tree Planting on Council-Allocated Land – MNU Kulhudhuffushi Campus

MNU Kulhudhuffushi Campus collaborated with the local council to undertake tree-planting activities on council-allocated land and within campus grounds. The initiative promoted sustainable land management, maintenance of terrestrial vegetation and collaborative stewardship of shared green spaces.

Through this partnership, MNU contributed to community efforts to maintain vegetation and promote responsible management of land resources beyond university premises.

Supporting evidence: MNU Kulhudhuffushi Campus activity record, 5 June 2024. No public link was recorded.

Community Tree Planting – Thinadhoo Jetty Area

MNU Thinadhoo Campus participated in a community tree-planting initiative involving local stakeholders, during which 50 rooted plant cuttings were planted in the Thinadhoo jetty area. The initiative supported sustainable land management, maintenance of shared terrestrial green spaces and community participation in environmental conservation.

The activity demonstrated MNU’s contribution to collaborative land stewardship through the maintenance and enhancement of vegetation in public areas.

Read MNU News – Tree Planting at Thinadhoo Jetty

World Environment Day and World Ocean Day – Thinadhoo City Council Collaboration

MNU Thinadhoo Campus participated in environmental activities organised in collaboration with Thinadhoo City Council and local stakeholders. The activities included tree planting and community environmental initiatives aimed at promoting terrestrial environmental conservation, sustainable land management and community participation in ecosystem stewardship.

The tree-planting component contributed to collaborative efforts to maintain vegetation and encourage responsible management of shared land environments.

Read MNU News – Community Environmental Activities

2025 – Collaborative Conservation and Sustainable Management of Shared Land

National Tree Planting Initiative – MNU Kulhudhuffushi Campus

MNU Kulhudhuffushi Campus collaborated with government representatives through a tree-planting initiative supporting national environmental conservation efforts. The programme encouraged participation in sustainable land management, vegetation conservation and collaborative terrestrial ecosystem stewardship.

The initiative strengthened institutional participation in maintaining green spaces and promoting collective responsibility for the sustainable use of land resources.

Read MNU News – Kulhudhuffushi Tree Planting

Community Tree Planting – MNU Hithadhoo Campus

MNU Hithadhoo Campus participated in the Government’s Five Million Tree Planting Pledge alongside local stakeholders. The initiative promoted community-based land conservation, sustainable management of terrestrial vegetation and shared environmental stewardship.

Through participation in this national initiative, MNU supported collaborative efforts to maintain vegetation and encourage responsible management of island green spaces.

View MNU Hithadhoo Tree Planting Initiative

2026 – Collaborative Vegetation Management

Bamboo Planting Collaboration – Thinadhoo School and MNU Thinadhoo Campus

MNU Thinadhoo Campus collaborated with Thinadhoo School through the donation and planting of two bamboo plants. The activity promoted collaborative vegetation management, sustainable landscaping and environmental stewardship.

The initiative demonstrated cooperation between educational institutions in maintaining planted vegetation and encouraging environmentally responsible management of campus green spaces.

Read MNU News – Bamboo Planting Collaboration