The Maldives is taking a green leap forward with an ambitious plan to plant two million trees by the end of 2025. Launched by President Mohamed Muizzu, the Five Million Tree Plantation Program aims to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and protect endangered native tree species in the island nation.
“Climate change is not a distant threat for us; it’s a present reality,” President Muizzu stated during the program’s launch. “This initiative is a significant step towards safeguarding our environment and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”
The initiative focuses on planting native tree varieties that are at risk of extinction, including fruit trees, shade trees, flowering trees, and plants used in traditional Dhivehi medicine. Over the next five years, the program plans to plant a total of five million trees, encompassing 90 varieties of fruit-bearing and vegetable-producing plants.
By enriching the country’s biodiversity, the Maldives aims to strengthen its ecological resilience and bolster food security. The diverse selection of plants is expected to provide not only environmental benefits but also economic opportunities for local communities.
To engage citizens and promote transparency, the government plans to develop a special mobile application for the program. This app will allow people to track where and by whom a particular tree was planted, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and participation in the nation’s green efforts.
As one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its low elevation, the Maldives’ proactive steps serve as a model for sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the Global South.
