Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed it is working with law enforcement to penalise those who cut down or relocate palm trees.
EPA stated it has received reports of some parties cutting down or relocating palm trees to other areas without approval. The Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives dictates that palm trees can only be cut down, or relocated to another area with the approval of EPA. Therefore, EPA has urged resort developers, contractors, and local councils to ensure approvals have received from the agency before cutting down or relocating palm trees.
Parties relocating palm trees are required to have a permit or the decision on an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project, which contains information on the area and the number of palm trees they are allowed to remove. They are also required to have the necessary equipment and resources for the task.
EPA stated that it will take action against those who violate these regulations.