Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr Maryam Mariya has announced plans to introduce a new packaging system that meets food safety standards, as part of the Government’s efforts to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

She made the announcement while speaking at the inauguration of a pilot biobag production facility established by the Small Island Geographic Society (SIGS) in Haa Dhaalu Hanimadhoo.

Dr Mariya said the upcoming packaging system will ensure that Maldivian products, particularly food items, comply with recognised safety standards. She described the initiative as an important step toward building a sustainable production framework that supports environmental protection.

The Minister noted that the Maldives’ clean seas and fragile ecosystems continue to face serious threats from environmental degradation. Citing a study by SIGS, she highlighted that households in Hulhumalé alone use over three million plastic bags annually, each taking around 20 years to fully decompose.

She also referred to recent research findings showing that microplastic particles have been detected in human organs and bloodstreams, posing serious health risks as they enter the body through food, air and drinking water.

Dr Mariya emphasised that sustainable solutions must be integrated into everyday life, describing the new biobag facility as a model of practical innovation. The bioplastic bags produced at the centre are biodegradable and environmentally friendly while maintaining the same usability as conventional plastic bags.

The Minister further commended SIGS for its continued efforts to develop sustainable waste management solutions, particularly in agricultural and household sectors. She said such initiatives contribute to reducing food waste, lowering dependency on imports and advancing the Maldives’ long-term goal of achieving economic and environmental resilience.