Regulation mandates planting two trees for each tree cut islands that are not industrial

The government has formulated and published a regulation that mandates planting two additional trees or palm trees for every tree or palm tree cut down from islands leased for purposes other than industrial.

As per the regulation on leasing uninhabited islands for purposes other than fisheries, agriculture and economic purposes published on Thursday – trees and palm trees in islands leased under the regulation must be cut or removed per the relevant environmental protection regulations and with the Ministry's written approval.

The regulation also states that the trees can be transported out of the island with the approval of the ministry. However, cutting down trees that are aged or of variety that is not commonly observed in the Maldives is not permissible.

The Ministry can absolve the person from replacing the trees cut down if the island lacks the space.

Uninhabited islands will be leased based on three basis under the regulation: through publicly announced bids, submission of detailed report regarding the purpose for which the island will be used by the prospective lessee or by a local council.

Infrastructure development can only be carried out in 10 percent of the island leased under the regulation. The lessor reserves the right to fine the lessee by MVR 1 million for any violations of the regulations.