Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has participated in the Maldives’ nationwide Five Million Trees Programme, as part of his ongoing State Visit to the Maldives at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
The Five Million Trees Programme, a key presidential pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, was first announced by him at the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) held in Dubai. The programme, which aims to plant a total of five million trees over five years, was officially launched on the Environment Day last year. It is the largest tree planting initiative undertaken in the Maldives.
The tree planting programme seeks to restore endangered plants species, enhance greenery, and promote environmental sustainability. Prime Minister Modi contributed to the initiative by planting a mango tree at Sultan Park in Male’.
The Five Million Trees Programme has garnered widespread participation, with government-owned companies, public institutions, private businesses and individuals contributing to the programme. Although the programme aims to plant five million trees, 6.3 million trees have already been pledged by various institutions and individuals, exceeding the target. While more than 500,000 trees have been planted so far under the programme, the government aims to plant at least two million trees by the end of this year.
The government states that the current tree planting initiative will be different to similar initiatives undertaken in the past. While previous efforts lacked sustainability, the current programme is designed with long-term success in mind. President Dr Muizzu’s administration has affirmed its commitment to the continuity of the programme.
The programme also gives priority to planting and reviving endangered species of plants. As part of these efforts, 90 tree species endangered in the Maldives have been listed, and are being prioritised for planting.