The Bamboo for Climate Change Mitigation project, led by Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem, Vice President of Atmosphere Foundation, is managed by Atmosphere Foundation. The initiative aligns with national commitments under the Paris Agreement and the 2021 Climate Emergency Act to strengthen environmental resilience and work towards carbon neutrality. The programme aims to establish green spaces across the islands by planting bamboo, which is well-suited to the region for its carbon absorption capacity, oxygen release, and ability to enrich ecosystems.

The project has two initial components: large-scale planting of bamboo seedlings across community islands and seed germination to sustain the initiative. Bamboo cultivation holds environmental and economic potential by promoting carbon sequestration and creating avenues for sustainable local industries. The project began with seed donations of Bambusa bambos and Dendrocalamus strictus, a resilient tropical species known for its carbon absorption capacity. These seeds germinated within 12 days, setting the foundation for future expansions.

The Foundation acquired over 1,200 bamboo seedlings, with 250 donated to Housing Development Corporation at the project’s initial stages. Over 700 Beema Bamboo plants have been donated to 16 community islands. Beema Bamboo (Bambusa balcooa) has been showing excellent growth in most of the islands. The partnerships were formalized through Memoranda of Understanding between Atmosphere Foundation and the island councils or civil service organisations from representative islands.

Notable project partners include HDh. Vaikaradhoo and Sh. Goidhoo Councils. Vaikaradhoo has the largest variety of bamboo plant donations from Atmosphere Foundation, with 83 plants from 15 varieties in the Vaikaradhoo Bamboo Park. In the intervening year, the plants have shown impressive growth (some reaching up to 20 feet tall and 0.8 inches in diameter of the bamboo stem) due to their well-maintained condition. Bamboo was first planted in Vaikaradhoo in October 2023.

Goidhoo Council joined the programme in August 2023. They have created a bamboo avenue, allowing people to walk along a pathway between two rows of now-towering bamboo plants. These plants have also seen impressive growth rates, with some of the plants reaching 25 feet tall in the intervening year.

Local councils and community organisations have participated in bamboo planting sessions and educational programs, encouraging environmental stewardship. These bamboo plants will act as carbon sinks, support biodiversity, and create local economic opportunities. The project’s vision is to establish community-driven green spaces, fostering a collective commitment to climate action and sustainable growth.

A special focus of the Bamboo for Climate Change Mitigation was the World Environment Day 2024 celebrations in Vaikaradhoo. The showcasing of the Vaikaradhoo Bamboo Park was a key highlight of the weekend of activities.