President Muizzu Urges National Unity for Massive Five Million Tree Project

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has called on all Maldivians to take personal responsibility for the nation's environment, urging active participation in the largest tree-planting initiative in the country's history. Speaking on the programme 'The Pulse,' the President emphasized that collective action is essential to restore the Maldives' natural landscapes. He specifically appealed to the youth to lead the charge in the ambitious five million tree planting programme, framing the initiative as a critical step in sustaining the environment for future generations. The government has designated the programme as a special priority, focusing on increasing overall greenery and the restoration of endangered flora. Addressing the tension between urban development and conservation, President Muizzu acknowledged that while some infrastructure projects necessitate the removal of trees, the government is committed to planting significantly more to compensate for any ecological loss. The initiative has already seen unprecedented momentum. While the original target was five million trees, pledges have already surged to 6.4 million, with more than 1.6 million saplings already planted across the archipelago. A cornerstone of the project is the revival of the Maldives' botanical heritage. The programme aims to identify and list 90 tree species currently classified as endangered, ensuring these native varieties are reintroduced and protected throughout the islands. By integrating community action with government policy, the administration seeks to create a sustainable ecological buffer against climate change. The President concluded his remarks by reiterating that the long-term health of the islands depends on a shared commitment to greening the Maldives today.