The Maldives has made significant strides in its ambitious Five Million Tree Plantation Programme, with over 450,000 trees planted so far this year, according to the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy. The tree plantation programme highlights the administration's commitment to combating climate change and enhancing biodiversity.
The programme, launched by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, aims to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and protect endangered native tree species. It was officially inaugurated on 5 June 2024, coinciding with World Environment Day, marking a significant step towards environmental conservation.
The initiative focuses on planting native tree varieties that are at risk of extinction. These include fruit trees, shade trees, flowering trees, and trees used in traditional Dhivehi medicine. Over a span of five years, the programme aims to plant a total of 90 varieties of fruit-bearing and vegetable-producing plants, significantly contributing to the country's ecological and food security.
As of now, a total of 450,936 trees have been planted this year, according to the environment ministry. Additionally, 70 institutions and parties have pledged to plant an additional 4,219,456 trees, the ministry added.
Tree plantation activities are currently underway in the capital, Malé City, as well as the outer atolls. According to Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, a remarkable 398,000 trees were planted on the first day of the programme.
The Five Million Tree Plantation Programme was first announced by President Dr Muizzu on 1 December 2023, during his address at the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), also known as the COP28 conference. The programme aligns with the goals set during the COP28 conference, underscoring the Maldives' commitment to global environmental efforts.
According to the government, these efforts underscore a strong commitment to protecting the delicate ecological balance of the Maldives and addressing the challenges posed by climate change for the benefit of both present and future generations.