Replacing coconuts with dates: the erosion of Maldivian identity

The Maldives, a globally celebrated tropical paradise, owes much of its allure to the iconic coconut palm, a symbol of its lush, vibrant character. These trees, deeply woven into the cultural and economic fabric of the nation, have long defined the Maldivian landscape. Yet, a troubling transformation is underway, as the coconut palm, the national tree, is being systematically replaced by date palms, a species more suited to the arid deserts of Arabia than to the tropical shores of our islands.

The transformation began in Malé under then-Mayor Dr Mohamed Muizzu, now the president, who initiated the planting of date palms along the southern and western stretches of Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé’s ring road, reshaping the city’s tropical character. His successor, Mayor Adam Azim, has continued this practice, planting date palms across various parts of Malé. This trend, originating in the capital, has spread to other islands across the Maldives, with many replicating Malé’s example by planting date palms in their harbour areas, gradually eroding the nation’s tropical identity. 

Places like Addu City have followed suit, where Mayor Nizar and his team destroyed the paved sidewalk along the shore side of Addu Link Road in various places to plant unsightly date palms on the beach. They also cut down the beautiful line of coconut palms in the Aareyfu (RAF) area of Link Road, replacing them with date palms despite widespread public disapproval. Even on the wide, spacious roads of Hithadhoo, where shade-giving trees would enhance the environment, they opted for date palms that provide no shade, further clashing with the Maldives’ tropical aesthetic.

Most recently, the new terminal at Velana International Airport, the gateway to our nation, has been adorned with date palms instead of the coconut palms that should greet visitors to a tropical destination. This deliberate pivot away from our national tree risks diluting the very essence of what makes the Maldives unique in the global tourism market.

Historically, coconut palms were integral to Maldivian life. Old traditions encouraged planting a tree for every child born or loved one lost, ensuring the landscape remained verdant. For every tree felled, four or five were planted, sustaining an abundance of coconuts that fueled both local consumption and exports. From food to coir ropes, the coconut palm met countless needs. Today, however, as these trees disappear, the Maldives has become an importer of coconuts and their byproducts, a stark reversal of our self-sufficient past.

The push to replace coconut palms with date palms is not merely an aesthetic misstep; it is being framed by some as a religious or cultural imperative, fostering division and eroding pride in our national tree. While date palms have their place, perhaps in curated parks alongside other imported flora, planting them across the nation’s public spaces is akin to masking our natural identity with an artificial one.

In tropical nations worldwide, coconut palms line roads and shores, maintained by municipal workers who recognise their value. The Maldives must reclaim this practice to preserve its identity. We must honour our heritage by protecting the coconut palm and ensuring it remains a proud symbol of our nation. Let us plant trees that reflect who we are, not those that obscure it.

Naajih Didi is a history research analyst.