The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has requested lights be turned off nationwide from 9:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. tonight to mark ‘Earth Hour,’ a global environmental awareness initiative.

Government offices, companies, and resorts across the Maldives will participate by switching off their lights during this hour-long event, which aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and protect the planet.

The Environment Ministry has invited all islands to join the initiative and encouraged people to share photographs from different parts of the country using the hashtag #EarthHourMV, which will be featured on the Ministry's social media stories.

Earth Hour, first observed in Sydney, Australia in 2007, promotes the protection of natural resources and advocates for environmental conservation through the symbolic act of turning off non-essential lights.