Unrelated to ecosystem: EPA advises to plant Maldivian palm trees instead of date palms

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has advised to plant Maldivian palm trees in front of the new international terminal at the main airport, Velana International Airport (VIA), instead of date palms.

Many people have expressed concern amid efforts to plant date palms in front of the new VIA international terminal, citing the first scene witnessed by tourists upon their arrival in the Maldives have no correlation to the “Maldivian identity”.

When questioned regarding the matter, EPA’s Director General Ibrahim Naeem advised prioritizing Maldivian palm trees instead of date palms. He explained that, from an environmental standpoint, choosing tree species that are naturally suited to the local ecosystem is the best course of action.

In addition to plants, he emphasized that introducing animal species unrelated to the Maldivian ecosystem is also inappropriate.

Commenting on the issue, Maldivian historian Ahmed Alaa Didi said nation’s identity is deeply rooted in its natural environment. Similarly, he added that one of the aspects Maldives is internationally recognized for, is its native palm trees.

“The view people see upon arriving at Maldivian islands and at the entrances to the country should reflect how the Maldives has been described since ancient times. This is the native palm tree which filled up Maldivian surroundings since ancient times. Europeans have described the rope made from the husk of Maldivian palm trees and exported by the Maldivians as the finest quality rope in the world. The palm tree is a representation of Maldives’ whole identity,” he said.

Shammoon Jaleel (Lucas Jaleel) who served as a director at Heritage Ministry during the former administration said tourists traveling to the Maldives come to witness the uniqueness of Maldives, adding they would not come to see Dubai after departing from Dubai Airport.

When date palms were planted in Malé during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure as mayor, the Malé City Council stated that the initiative was being carried with advice from experts.