President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih vows to make environmental protection the key aspect of rebuilding the nation after it overcomes the Covid-19 global pandemic currently grappling the country.

He said this in a tweet on the occasion of the World Environment day celebrated today.

President Solih said that as the country emerges from the Covid-19 crisis, it is paramount that it makes the protection of the earth’s natural environment and its biodiversity key aspects of the efforts to build anew.

He also said the government would continue its advocacy for the preservation of the nature for the country’s common future.

The theme for this year’s World Environment Day is, ‘Time for Nature’, with a focus on nature’s role in providing the essential infrastructure that supports life on earth and human development.

President Solih’s comments coincide with harsh criticism online aim at the government for its reclamation of Gulhifalhu for the port development project planned by the authorities.

Environmental activists have been voicing their concerns via online platforms saying that this project would have devastating effects on the nearby Villimale Reef and dive sites and called on authorities to stop developmental projects that threaten natural ecosystems and marine life.

Several MPs have also raised concerns on the issue stating that the project would leave long-lasting and possibly permanent damages to the reefs nearby.