A luxury resort under development in the Maldives has pledged to plant 1.4 million trees as part of a national environmental programme and will establish a 6.5-megawatt solar farm to generate one-third of its energy needs. The commitments were formalised in an agreement signed by Royal Resorts, a subsidiary of Qatar-based Estithmar Holdings and the developer of Rosewood Ranfaru, with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. Slated to open in 2027, the resort will mark Hong Kong-based Rosewood Hotels and Resorts' first venture in the Maldives.
The agreement positions the resort as a key participant in the Five Million Tree Planting Programme and underscores its alignment with the Maldives' renewable energy policy. Developed on reclaimed land within a lagoon in Malé Atoll, Rosewood Ranfaru has committed to these sustainability goals during an official visit by Tourism and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim.
During the signing ceremony, Minister Thoriq represented the government, while Project Director Hussain Ali Sinan signed on behalf of the contractor overseeing the resort's construction. As part of his visit, the minister formally launched the resort's tree-planting initiative, reinforcing the government's call for resort developers to integrate sustainable practices into their projects.
With 1.4 million trees set to be planted as part of the resort's development, the initiative is expected to play a significant role in the broader push for environmental conservation. Minister Thoriq highlighted the critical role of resorts in greening reclaimed islands, improving waste management, and integrating renewable energy solutions, measures that align closely with the Maldives' long-term sustainability agenda.
The resort's renewable energy commitment is equally ambitious. A solar farm capable of generating 33 percent of the resort's electricity is central to its clean energy strategy, reinforcing the government's focus on reducing dependency on traditional energy sources.
During remarks following the signing, Minister Thoriq urged resort developers to embrace sustainability efforts, calling for stronger participation in environmental programmes that support the Maldives' broader conservation efforts. The call comes as the ministry accelerates plans to plant 5.2 million trees nationwide, with more than 500,000 trees already planted this year and a target of 2 million set for completion by 2025.
Since assuming office, Minister Thoriq has made frequent visits to resort developments, aiming to expedite openings and address construction challenges. The government has placed particular emphasis on accelerating resort launches, positioning the operationalisation of unlaunched properties as a top priority in its tourism development strategy.