Ministry of Tourism and Environment has held a working session with 25 representatives from 15 institutions to update the Maldives’ National Implementation Plan under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

The workshop focused on reviewing the initial plan created in 2017 and assessing the progress made in eliminating harmful POPs - long-lasting chemicals that pose serious threats to human health and the environment. The updated plan aims to enhance the nation’s chemical management strategies.

With financial backing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Maldives has already disposed of 24 tonnes of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated oil and equipment at an eco-friendly facility abroad. Additionally, a specialised medical waste management centre has been established in Haa Alifu Baarah and handed over to the Health Ministry.

To strengthen public health safety, the ministry has also signed an MoU with the Health Ministry to supply equipment for heavy metal testing at the National Health Laboratory.

The revised plan will identify existing hazardous chemicals and guide future actions to ensure environmental protection and public health.