President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the Government’s policy is to plant multiple trees to offset any tree that must be removed for development purposes.

The President made the remarks while speaking at the Youth Coffee with President session held during the National Youth Conference. He referred to a recent public meeting in Villimalé, where a decision was taken to remove two trees from the island at the request of residents.

He said work has since begun to plant an additional 500 trees in Villimalé, in line with the Government’s policy of compensatory tree planting.

“Our policy is to plant many more trees if a tree has to be removed in connection with development,” the President said.

President Dr Muizzu emphasised that environmental protection of the Maldives remain a key priority of the Government. In this regard, he highlighted the Five Million Tree initiative which has already planted over one million trees since its launch.