The Government is aiming to plant 1 million trees this year as part of its nationwide programme to plant 5 million trees, Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef has said. 

Speaking at a tree-planting event held at Hulhumalé Central Park to mark World Environment Day, the minister said 1.6 million trees have already been planted under the initiative, which was launched to increase greenery, restore tree cover and strengthen environmental conservation efforts across the Maldives.

Minister Shareef described the 5 million tree planting programme as one of the Administration's key environmental priorities and said efforts are continuing to expand the initiative across the country. He noted that the Government remains focused on reaching its target of planting an additional 1 million trees this year as part of the programme.

Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam said environmental protection remains a fundamental pillar of the Maldives' foreign policy, noting that the country is among the nations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. She stressed the importance of protecting the Maldivian way of life, economy and culture through sustainable environmental practices and highlighted the role of the 5 million tree planting programme in supporting environmental conservation and climate resilience efforts.

The tree-planting event formed part of activities organised to mark both the 60th anniversary of the Maldives' independence and the 60th anniversary of the country's membership in the United Nations.

Held at Hulhumalé Central Park, the event was attended by Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam, Environment Minister Ali Shareef, Housing Development Corporation Managing Director Ali Zuhair, representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and non-governmental organisations, as well as officials from Government institutions.