Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed cases of illegally removing trees from across Maldives are being identified with the support of Maldives Police Service. EPA stated complaints have been filed alleging illegal export of tress, adding these complaints are now being investigated.
At a time when several reports were submitted to EPA regarding the illegal removal of trees and exporting them, recently, rumours were spread efforts were ongoing to export illegally removed trees from Maafaru in Noonu Atoll. While EPA was investigating the aforementioned case, the residents of the island raised concerns saying the trees were being taken to a landing craft owned by an Abu Dhabi-baded company.
Speaking to PSM News, Chief Customs Information Officer of Maldives Customs Service Aishath Vilnee stated even though information have been received regarding cases of exporting trees, no party or individual has obtained the necessary permissions.