Saruvash Raises Concerns Over Lack of Green Fund Reports
3 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 16:25Former Budget Executive Ahmed Saruvash has expressed concern over the declining transparency of environmental project spending due to the government's failure to release this year's Green Fund reports. With the fund estimated to exceed MVR 4.5 billion, Saruvash called on the Ministry of Finance to disclose the details of these finances as soon as possible.
Ahmed Saruvash Adam, former Chief Financial Budget Executive at the Ministry of Finance and former member of the Pension Office Board. | MDP
The government has failed to release any Green Fund reports so far this year, a move that signals a decline in environmental transparency, according to Ahmed Saruvash Adam, former Chief Financial Budget Executive at the Ministry of Finance and former Pension Board member.
Speaking at a panel discussion during the "Rahvehi Tharaggee" investment forum held as part of the MDP Congress, Saruvash stated that the purpose of the Green Fund is to utilize revenue collected from Green Tax specifically for environmental projects. He noted that previously, this was managed through infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Environment.
Saruvash noted that expenditures remain lower than the total revenue collected through the Green Tax. He further stated that by the end of 2025, the Green Fund had reached a balance of 3.5 billion Rufiyaa.
Environmental initiatives in the Maldives have come to a standstill, and it is not due to a lack of funding. While the government claims that 3.5 billion Rufiyaa has been allocated and accumulated in funds specifically for environmental protection, these resources remain unspent and the necessary work is not being carried out.Ahmed Saruvash Adam
Saruvash stated that the government has yet to disclose any Green Fund reports this year, noting that the most recent report was published in December 2023.
The erosion of government transparency regarding environmental issues is becoming increasingly evident, and in my view, the Environment Minister’s silence on this matter is a mistake. I am certain that even the Minister remains unaware of the current balance or the exact figures remaining in the fund.Ahmed Saruvash Adam
Noting that 1.6 billion Rufiyaa has been collected as Green Tax so far this year, Saruvash stated that even after accounting for some expenditures, the Green Fund is guaranteed to hold a balance exceeding 4.5 billion Rufiyaa.
Furthermore, Saruvash urged the Ministry of Finance to release the Green Fund report and the monthly fiscal reports as soon as possible.
