With urban centres growing faster than ever, the Maldives now faces the challenge of building communities that are not only modern, but also sustainable. That balance is now being reshaped by the Government’s pledge to plant five million trees, an initiative launched by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed on World Environment Day, 5 June 2024.

From the very first saplings planted at Malé’s Lonuziyaarai Park, the Administration cast the campaign as more than a ceremonial gesture. It is a national drive to cool islands, restore green cover and build resilience against the climate shocks that impact the country’s future.

Since then, the effort has taken root across the atolls. By mid-2025, close to half a million trees had been planted, while pledges from institutions and companies have already exceeded the five-million target. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has highlighted how schools, NGOs, State-owned enterprises and private firms embraced the initiative, turning it from a Government pledge into a collective mission.

The trees themselves tell part of the story. Rather than planting indiscriminately, authorities have focused on fruit trees, trees that would provide shade, flowering species and medicinal plants, with a deliberate emphasis on native and endangered varieties. This approach safeguards biodiversity while ensuring practical benefits; shade along city streets, food security, and flowering canopies that soften the urban landscape. The message is clear: planting trees is not just about numbers, but about creating an environment that supports both people and ecosystems.

Urban areas are central to this vision. HDC has pledged to plant trees in Hulhumalé, Ras Malé, Kudagiri, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu, with seedlings from its nursery distributed for these sites. Early works include planting in Kuda Giri and planning for greening of roadsides and reclaimed neighbourhoods, especially in rapidly developing zones. By doing so, the Government aims to reduce the urban heat-island effect, improve storm-water absorption and make the rapidly growing cities more liveable. To sustain the supply, modern nurseries are being built in Hulhumalé and beyond, complete with labs and cultivation facilities to ensure seedlings are resilient and diverse.

Support from corporations has given the initiative national scale. Housing Development Corporation and Maldives Ports Limited each pledged one million trees, while SDM Farm, and STELCO committed hundreds of thousands more. These contributions, along with many others, pushed total pledges beyond the initial goal and demonstrated that climate resilience is being embraced as a shared responsibility between state and society.

Diplomatic moments have reinforced the spirit of the campaign. During his state visit,, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined President Dr Muizzu to plant saplings at Sultan Park. Similarly, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka planted trees alongside President Dr Muizzu at the same venue, signalling regional solidarity on climate action. At the same time, schools, scout groups and community organisations have continued their own planting activities, embedding the habit of greening into everyday life across the nation.

The initiative reflects a shift in how the Maldives views development. Roads, housing projects and reclaimed land remain essential, but the five-million tree drive shows that progress must also mean greener, cooler and more resilient cities. For citizens, the difference will be felt in shaded bus stops, cleaner air, and greener neighbourhoods that make daily life more comfortable. For the nation, it is a reminder that even in the face of climate vulnerability, resilience can be planted, one tree at a time.