The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has commenced efforts to plant 100,000 trees under the government's nationwide 5 Million Trees Programme.
MACL’s contribution was officially launched at a special ceremony held near the new passenger terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA). The programme was inaugurated by Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim. The ceremony was attended by MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed and company officials.
The Five Million Trees Programme, launched last year, is the largest tree planting initiative undertaken in the Maldives. More than 500,000 trees have been planted so far under the programme. Although the programme aims to plant five million trees, 6.3 million trees have already been pledged by various institutes and individual, exceeding the target. The government aims to plant at least two million trees by the end of this year.
The government has stated 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. The government requests the participation of all citizens to ensure the programme’s success.