The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has pledged to plant 100,000 trees as part of the government-led “Five Million Trees Programme,” marking a bold step forward in environmental stewardship and sustainable development. The announcement was made during an official ceremony held near the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), attended by Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, and MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, along with senior officials from the company.
The Five Million Trees Programme, which was launched in 2023, is the largest reforestation initiative in the country’s history. Led by the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the programme aims to restore the nation’s green cover, protect biodiversity, and mitigate the long-term effects of climate change. As part of this vision, the government is targeting the planting of at least two million trees by the end of 2025.
Although the programme’s initial target was to plant five million trees across the country, public and institutional support has already exceeded expectations, with over 6.3 million trees pledged to date. More than 500,000 trees have already been successfully planted in various regions of the Maldives. The government has emphasized the importance of community engagement, encouraging citizens, institutions, and private entities to contribute to this collective environmental responsibility.
One of the key distinguishing features of this reforestation effort is its long-term focus and sustainability. Unlike past initiatives, which often lacked planning and continuity, the current programme is structured to ensure proper maintenance and ecological integration. In line with this, the initiative prioritizes the revival and preservation of native and endangered plant species unique to the Maldives. Currently, 90 endangered tree species have been identified and are being given special attention for conservation and replanting.
President Dr Muizzu’s administration has placed environmental sustainability at the core of its national development agenda. The Five Million Trees Programme aligns with the government’s broader commitment to climate resilience, ecological restoration, and sustainable tourism. The initiative also reinforces the Maldives’ global reputation as a nation taking proactive steps to protect its natural heritage amid rising environmental challenges.
MACL’s involvement in this nationwide programme reflects its dedication to environmental responsibility, particularly in areas surrounding key tourism infrastructure such as Velana International Airport. By supporting the government’s reforestation goals, MACL is contributing to the creation of greener urban spaces, enhanced biodiversity, and improved air quality—benefits that extend not only to locals but also to the millions of tourists who visit the Maldives each year.
Foreign visitors who travel to the Maldives for its pristine natural beauty can now be assured that the country is actively investing in environmental regeneration and sustainability. With initiatives like the Five Million Trees Programme, the Maldives continues to protect and enrich the very ecosystems that make it one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations.
For travelers seeking not just relaxation but also reassurance that their chosen destination values the planet, the Maldives offers a growing promise: a tourism sector in harmony with nature, driven by a collective national effort to secure a greener future.
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