The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has announced that more than one million trees have already been planted under the Government’s Five Million Trees programme, a nationwide initiative launched by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

According to figures released by the ministry, tree planting is ongoing across the country, with further expansion planned for next year. Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim said at least two large, high-rise trees have been planted on every inhabited island, highlighting the programme’s nationwide reach. He had previously stated that over one million trees would be planted by the end of this year.

The ministry is working to expand the programme to all regions of the Maldives. As part of efforts to support long-term sustainability, a 55,000-square-foot nursery is planned for Hulhumalé Phase II, to be developed with grant assistance from the Chinese government.

The Five Million Trees programme is the largest such initiative ever undertaken in the Maldives. While the target is five million trees, a total of 6.4 million trees have been pledged by Government institutions and private entities. Major contributors include Rosewood with 1,478,244 trees, Maldives Ports Limited, Housing Development Corporation and other entities with one million trees each, SDM Farm with 750,000 trees, RCL with 500,000 trees, and additional organisations contributing over one million trees collectively.

Priority under the programme has been given to planting tree species that are not currently found in the Maldives. In this regard, 90 different species have been identified for introduction and cultivation as part of the initiative.