The Maldives has once again demonstrated its leadership in environmental conservation by actively participating in the South Asian Regional Meeting on Plastic-Free Rivers and Seas, which was held from 7th to 8th April 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Organized by the South Asia Cooperative Environment Program (SACEP) in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the meeting brought together policymakers and environmental experts from across the region to discuss effective strategies for tackling plastic pollution in South Asian waters.
Representing the Maldives at the forum was Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment Ahmed Nizam, who highlighted the nation’s continued efforts in addressing the global issue of plastic waste. Speaking at the session, Deputy Minister Nizam outlined the Maldives’ ambitious environmental targets, including the establishment of waste and resource management centers across all inhabited islands by the end of 2025, a critical step toward a more sustainable future for the island nation.
The Maldives’ ongoing initiatives to phase out single-use plastics were also shared at the gathering. Deputy Minister Nizam spoke about current measures and future projects designed to reduce the country’s reliance on plastic, underlining the Maldives’ dedication to preserving its natural beauty and marine ecosystems, which are vital to both local livelihoods and the tourism industry.
The meeting also served as a platform for regional exchange, with representatives from other South Asian countries contributing insights from their national experiences. Emphasis was placed on the value of working together across borders to curb plastic pollution, which poses a shared threat to the region’s rivers, seas, and coastal environments.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the Maldives’ active involvement in this regional event reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development and marine conservation. The Ministry stressed that protecting the environment is a national priority, and that collaborative efforts such as this regional meeting are essential for creating lasting solutions to plastic pollution.
advertisment
advertisment
