Save Maldives, Zero Waste Maldives, and Eco Care Maldives have jointly expressed grave concerns over the rampant deforestation in Addu City, accusing the Addu City Council of leading unplanned and unauthorized tree felling activities across the islands.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the organizations highlighted the critical role of coastal vegetation shelter belts (heylhi), which serve as natural defenses against extreme weather and ensure the climate resilience of the islands. Despite their legal protection, these areas have been subjected to significant destruction. Notable examples include the historic landmark “Ruhfashaa” in Hithadhoo, demolished in March 2022 without public consultation, and mature trees in the Hithadhoo Sharafuddeen School area and Addu Gan Island, which were destroyed in a similar manner.

The council has also targeted protected green areas, including buffer zones adjacent to Feheli Kilhi and Medheaari Kilhi, designated under the Addu City Hithadhoo Land Use Plan. These actions have obstructed community livelihoods, damaged crops, and disregarded the need for environmental impact assessments or permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The associations reported further destruction of heylhi in Meedhoo, Hulhumeedhoo, Gaukendi, and Hankede islands, despite community protests. They criticized the council for clearing land under the pretext of housing development while neglecting reclaimed land from a 2023 reef ecosystem project. This project, which cost MVR 1.3 billion, caused ecological damage estimated between USD 343 million and USD 848 million but remains underutilized, with reclaimed areas in Feydhoo from 2016 still lacking housing.

The environmental groups condemned the ongoing deforestation, stating, "Deforestation in Addu has reached uncontrolled levels, to the extent that the intent and purpose of such activities have become murky." They called on the Addu City Council to immediately halt destructive activities and urged the relevant authorities to intervene, conduct investigations, and take legal action against those responsible.