Govt launches ‘VilunVeshi’ - a grant program to support climate resilience and food security

The Environment Ministry has launched VilunVeshi – a grant program aimed a supporting climate resilience, food security and innovation.

The program was launched on Tuesday by Environment Minister Ali Shareef on the sidelines of the Climate Adaptation Forum.

The grant program is supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and is being run through SME Digital.

VilunVeshi is part of the larger Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security Project (ECRFS), a multi-phase initiative aimed at building climate resilience while creating sustainable economic opportunities for communities nationwide.

The program is structured into three grant phases:

1. Individual micro grants;
2. Community and SME grants and;
3. Institutional demonstration projects.

The initiative aims to strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods, improve food security, promote innovation, and support value-chain development across the Maldives.

SME Digital’s CEO Badhurudheen Hassan described the VilunVeshi grant program as an important opportunity to support innovative initiatives that contribute to climate resilience, food security, and sustainable economic development.

“Through this program, we aim to empower individuals and communities to implement practical solutions that create income-generating opportunities, strengthen local livelihoods, and deliver long-term benefits,” he said.

“We are delighted to support beneficiaries in transforming their ideas into impactful and sustainable outcomes."

According to SME Digital, the current phase of the project will focus on individual micro grants.

A total of 150 applications will be accepted for evaluation, with grants to be awarded for selected 50 grantees.

SME Digital states that applications will remain open until the application limit of 150 submissions is reached or to a period of one month from launching date.

Applications are set to open on July 23 through the SME Portal.