Over 450,000 Trees Planted in Maldives’ Five Million Tree Initiative
The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy has revealed that the Maldives has made significant progress in its ambitious Five Million Tree Plantation Programme, with over 450,000 trees planted so far this year.
The initiative highlights the administration’s commitment to tackling climate change and enhancing biodiversity.
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Launched by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the programme aims to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, and protect endangered native tree species. It was officially inaugurated on 5 June 2024, coinciding with World Environment Day, marking a key milestone in the country’s environmental conservation efforts.
The focus of the initiative is on planting native tree species that are at risk of extinction. These include fruit trees, shade trees, flowering trees, and species used in traditional Dhivehi medicine. Over the next five years, the programme aims to plant 90 varieties of fruit-bearing and vegetable-producing plants, contributing significantly to the country’s ecological and food security.
As of now, 450,936 trees have been planted in 2024, the ministry reported. Additionally, 70 institutions and organisations have pledged to plant an additional 4,219,456 trees.
Tree planting activities are taking place across the capital, Malé City, as well as in the outer atolls. Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim highlighted that an impressive 398,000 trees were planted on the first day of the programme.
Announced by President Dr Muizzu on 1 December 2023 at the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), the programme aligns with global environmental goals set during the conference. It reflects the Maldives’ ongoing commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change.
The government emphasises that these efforts demonstrate a strong dedication to safeguarding the Maldives’ fragile ecosystem and tackling the challenges posed by climate change, for the benefit of both current and future generations.
