The Maldives has participated 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 Programme (SACEP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), bringing together representatives from across the region to address the growing challenge of plastic pollution.

Representing the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Deputy Minister Ahmed Nizam took part in the discussions on behalf of the Maldives. During the session, he outlined the comprehensive efforts currently underway across the islands to reduce plastic waste, highlighting both existing measures and future goals set by the Government.

Deputy Minister Nizam reaffirmed the Government's commitment to environmental sustainability, noting plans to establish waste and resource management centres on every inhabited island. This initiative, he explained, forms a core component of the Maldives’ national strategy to minimise environmental degradation and promote responsible waste management.

Building on this commitment, he also shared updates on progress made to date in phasing out single-use plastics. He highlighted several projects that are either currently being implemented or in the planning stages, emphasising the Maldives’ dedication to adopting a proactive, long-term approach to plastic reduction.

In addition to national perspectives, the meeting provided an important platform for South Asian countries to exchange knowledge and share experiences in tackling plastic pollution. Delegates engaged in discussions aimed at fostering regional collaboration, recognising the need for coordinated strategies to effectively confront shared environmental challenges.

Reflecting on the Maldives' involvement, the Ministry of Environment stated that the country’s participation underscores the high priority the Government places on environmental protection. It also reinforces the Maldives’ recognition of the importance of collective regional action in addressing the urgent issue of plastic pollution.