Seychelles and Maldives Mark Bilateral Relations With Tree-Planting at Lonuziyaraiya Park in Malé
MALÉ, Maldives — Foreign Affairs Minister Barry Faure and Maldivian Foreign Affairs Minister Iruthisham Adam planted a tree each at Lonuziyaraiya Park in Malé on Friday, cementing the official commencement of a visa waiver agreement between the two Indian Ocean nations that came into effect on May 18. The tree-planting ceremony extended beyond marking a new era of seamless travel and closer diplomatic relations to highlight both countries’ deeply rooted, shared belief in environmental stewardship, sustainability, and urgent climate action. The event formed part of the Maldives’ Five Million Trees Project, a nationwide environmental initiative launched by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu that aims to plant five million trees across the Maldives by 2028 to enhance climate resiliency and safeguard the natural environment.
The visa waiver agreement and accompanying environmental symbolism carry significant practical and diplomatic weight for ordinary citizens of both nations. For Seychellois travellers, the removal of visa requirements simplifies travel to a fellow Indian Ocean destination, facilitating tourism, business, and people-to-people exchanges. The public commitment by both foreign ministers to environmental causes resonates with citizens of both archipelagos who face the existential threat of climate change and rising sea levels. Joint action on conservation reinforces the sense of solidarity between the two small island developing states while modelling climate leadership for larger nations.
The high-level ceremony was attended by key dignitaries from both countries including Principal Counsellor of Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora Ralph Agrippine, and senior officials from the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Maldives Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy. Principal Counsellor Agrippine attended on behalf of the Seychelles government. The event took place at Lonuziyaraiya Park in central Malé, a location that underscores the commitment of both governments to green urban spaces in densely populated island capitals.
Seychelles and the Maldives are among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, facing existential threats from sea level rise that could submerge significant portions of both archipelagos within this century. Their shared identity as small island developing states creates a natural foundation for diplomatic cooperation on climate adaptation, sustainable development, and international advocacy for ambitious climate action. Both nations have been vocal advocates for climate finance and the recognition of loss and damage in international climate negotiations, positions that align with their domestic commitments to environmental protection.
The Five Million Trees Project represents a significant domestic climate adaptation effort by the Maldives, and Seychelles’ participation in the inaugural planting signals solidarity and shared purpose. Such high-profile environmental diplomacy serves to keep climate issues on the international agenda while demonstrating concrete action at the national level. The Maldives’ initiative to plant five million trees by 2028 addresses both carbon sequestration and coastal protection through mangrove restoration, objectives that resonate with Seychelles’ own conservation priorities including its Blue Economy strategy and extensive marine protected areas.
By rooting the trees at the heart of Malé, the two nations have underscored a collective message: the future of small island developing states relies entirely on the protection of the natural environment. The accompanying photos show highlights of the tree-planting ceremony.
