President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has opted to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Following the dissolution of the EPA, responsible for safeguarding the Maldives' fragile environment, the president has also opted to shift its functions to be overseen by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.

Additionally, Muizzu has directed to accelerate and simplify the process of carrying out Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for projects, and to amend regulations and procedures to support quicker execution of development initiatives.

The government's choice to disband the Environmental Protection Agency occurs during a dispute, as the agency's previous headquarters, the Green Building, was consumed by flames earlier in the current administration.

Following the demolition of the Green Building, the government disbanded the Environment Ministry, reallocating its responsibilities to the Tourism Ministry.

The Maldives' Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was founded on 18 December 2008, through a decree signed by former President Mohamed Nasheed. It was formed by combining the Environmental Research Center with the Maldives Water and Sanitation Authority.

Formed as a separate entity, EPA's duties encompass preserving, safeguarding, and overseeing the environment and wildlife, managing waste, and curbing environmental pollution.

A key responsibility of the EPA included all tasks associated with reports on the environmental effects of development initiatives.