The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has reported that more than 3.8 million plants were imported into the Maldives from January to April’s this year.
According to the Ministry, a total of 405 shipments were inspected during the period, with 3,869,648 plants imported during the period.
Of these, 37 shipments, comprising of 4,732 plants, were seized due to the illegal import of trees and plants. While 368 shipments were released following inspection, these shipments contained 3,864,916 plants.
The Agriculture Ministry said 324 plants were released from two held shipments after documentation was provided. A total of 4,408 plants in 35 shipments were destroyed for failure to meet import regulations.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously stated the need to increase tree planting efforts to reduce the negative impact on the environment across the country.