Local NGO Wellness Matters is preparing to celebrate one year to its “Plant a Tree” project.

Wellness Matters is set to kick-off the one-year anniversary to its “Plant a Tree” project – which encourages people to grow their own fruits and vegetables – at 05:00 pm Monday.

The event can be seen live via Zoom, through Facebook and SSTV.

Participants of the “Plant a Tree” project from across the Maldives will attend the event on Zoom.

This includes schools and Education Ministry officials.

Trees are planted under Wellness Matter's 'Plant a Tree' project. (Photo/Wellness Matters)

Wellness Matters was founded by Zulfa Naseer, who wanted to share her experience in a wellness program she took by WellnessExpert Malaysia with her friends and family.

The NGO launched a 21-day fitness challenge, which suffered setbacks due to lack of availability of fruits and vegetables on the program’s meal plan.

Zulfa then began advocating the benefits of chemical-free fruits and vegetables, and began encouraging people to grow their own produce.

Wellness Matters expanded this initiative, and launched its 'Plant a Tree' project on October 16, 2022, on occasion of World Food Day.

The project is now being run in 17 islands in 14 atolls, with the involvement of 33 private citizens, nine institutions, and 18 schools.

Trees are planted under Wellness Matter's 'Plant a Tree' project. (Photo/Wellness Matters)

The NGO provides seeds to participants, and monitors the project, and provides additional support.

Over the last three months alone, Wellness Matters financed and supported hydroponics projects in four schools; Th. Veymandoo School, K. Maafushi School, F. Nilandhoo School, and HDh. Kulhudhuffushi School.

The trees planted at Veymandoo School have already begun bearing fruits and vegetables.

Wellness Matters is also running an additional project “Minheyo Thashibari” – to promote a balanced diet.