Environment and Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim said on Tuesday that while some trees may need to be removed for development projects, the government will plant more trees than are cut down.
Speaking at a press conference at the Presidential Palace, Thoriq said a permit from the Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) is required for the removal of more than 200 trees.
He acknowledged that development projects can have environmental impacts, but said efforts are being made to minimise them.
“Right now, if you cut down one tree, you must plant two. But under the five‑million‑tree programme, we are planting far more than that. We have already planted one million trees,” he said.
Thoriq said trees may need to be removed if they obstruct essential development work, such as road construction. He added that some plants can be replanted successfully, while others cannot survive in different environments.
“So whatever tree we remove, we will plant one, that is certain,” he said.
Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim speaks at a press conference held at the President's Office on December 23, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
His comments come amid public concern over the removal of large, decades‑old trees near the Atoll Shops area as part of the Boduthakurufaanu Magu redevelopment project.
Blue Peace Maldives, an environmental organisation, described the cutting of trees in the area as a “tragedy” and argued that the road could have been widened without removing them. Several politicians also voiced concern.
The Male' City Council and MTCC, which is carrying out the project, said the work is being conducted in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and that the council has granted permission based on the EIA.
Large trees were also removed during the redevelopment of Ameenee Magu, which drew significant public criticism.
Recently, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu told residents of Vilimale' that two problematic trees would be removed from the island. After public concern, he said 300 new trees would be planted in Vilimale' to compensate.