The President calls on each citizen to plant a tree as contribution to the Billion Tree Campaign of UNEP

The President has appealed to the people to participate in the “Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign” by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).  He made the appeal, while speaking at the ceremony held on 10 May to inaugurate the programme. In his speech, the President called on each citizen to plant a tree as contribution to the programme.

The President also appealed to the people to replace each tree that was being cut down. In this regard, the President highlighted the negative impacts on the environment as a result of not ensuring that trees cut down for developmental purposes are replaced.

The President said that it was the duty of each citizen to be vigilant of the negative effects of environmental changes on the Maldives, and stressed the country’s vulnerability towards environmental changes. The President stated that the safety of current and future generations as well as the safety of the country depended on the national efforts of the people in performing the duty of protecting the environment. 

In his welcome remarks, the Minister of Environment, Energy and Water, Mr. Ahmed Abdulla, noted the President’s efforts to increase environmental awareness at the international arena. He stressed that the President was the leader who had drawn the attention of the world to the impending threats which the Maldives faced as a result of global warming and sea level rise.

The request to the President to inaugurate the Billion Tree Campaign in the Maldives was made by Minister Ahmed Abdulla. After the President planted the tree, other dignitaries who attended the ceremony also planted trees. >>More