Maldives Receives 1,200 Saplings From Kerala Under Five Million Tree Initiative

The Maldives has received 1,200 tree saplings from India’s Kerala Forest Department, supporting President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s nationwide Five Million Tree Planting Programme.

Consul General of the Maldives in Thiruvananthapuram, Aminath Shifana, received the saplings on behalf of the Maldivian government. The donation fulfils a commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to the Maldives in July 2025.

The initiative forms part of the growing environmental cooperation between the Maldives and India, with the saplings expected to contribute to the Maldives’ efforts to expand greenery and strengthen climate resilience.

During Modi’s 2025 visit, the Indian Prime Minister joined President Muizzu in the Five Million Tree Planting Programme by planting a mango tree in Malé. President Muizzu also planted a sea putat tree as part of India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, highlighting the shared environmental priorities of the two countries.

The Five Million Tree Planting Programme is a key environmental initiative of the Muizzu administration, aimed at planting five million trees across the Maldives over five years. The programme was announced by President Muizzu at COP28 in Dubai and subsequently launched as part of the government’s efforts to increase tree cover and promote greener, more sustainable communities.

The latest donation adds to the practical cooperation between the Maldives and India and reflects the environmental component of the countries’ broader bilateral partnership.

The donation also comes as the two countries continue to strengthen ties following Modi’s 2025 visit, during which the governments advanced cooperation in areas including infrastructure, health, tourism, fisheries and digital development.