An environmental activist climbed a large banyan tree in Vilimale' on Thursday and lay across a branch, temporarily stopping efforts to cut it down.
Ahmed Niyaz, founder of the Maldives Space Research Organisation, was photographed roughly 25 feet up in the canopy. Police later negotiated with him; he descended of his own accord and was escorted from the site. He was not arrested.
The tree is one of two banyan trees identified for removal following a show-of-hands vote during a November 2025 meeting between President Mohamed Muizzu and Vilimale' residents. Residents who support removal say the roots and branches have damaged nearby houses. Opponents argue technical measures could protect buildings without destroying the trees.
It is not clear which agency is carrying out the current work. President Muizzu has previously said cutting trees is not government policy but that exceptions can be made when livelihoods are affected, and that at least 300 replacement trees would be planted on the island.
The incident follows earlier disputes over trees and development on the vehicle-free island.
