The Maldives has reaffirmed its commitment to combating plastic pollution by participating in the South Asian Regional Meeting on Plastic-Free Rivers and Seas held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The meeting was jointly organised by the South Asia Cooperative Environment Program (SACEP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
The Ministry of Tourism and Environment said the Maldives was represented at the meeting by its Deputy Minister Ahmed Nizam. During the meeting, Nizam shared information on the country’s progress and goals regarding plastic reduction.
In his remarks, Deputy Minister Nizam said the Maldivian government aims to establish waste and resource management centres in all inhabited islands of the Maldives by end of 2025. He also shared information on the steps taken so far by the Maldives to eliminate plastics use and relevant upcoming projects.
Government officials from other South Asian countries also shared their experiences at the meeting. Discussions focused on the importance of increasing regional cooperation to reduce plastic pollution.
The Ministry of Environment noted that the Maldives’ participation in this meeting reflects the government’s commitment to environmental protection. It also shows that the Maldives recognises the importance of regional collaboration to eliminate plastic, the Ministry said.