President: Goal is to eliminate single-use plastics in Maldives

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih states he aims to eliminate the use of single-use plastics in Maldives.

He made the comment during a ceremony held at AA. Ukulhas on Monday to mark World Environment Day.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih said his administration is engaged in numerous efforts to minimize the use of single-use plastics in Maldives.

President Solih said he doesn’t just aim to minimize the use of single-use plastics, but to eliminate it altogether.

President Solih said that the country is experiencing positive outcomes in just one year since the implementation of the ban on 13 types of single-use plastics, cutting down the import of plastic bags by 50 percent.

He said that the country’s economy is dependent on the natural resources of the islands in its atolls, and waste remains a major challenge facing islands.

“A quick solution to the issues with waste management is one of the biggest targets of this administration. Our aim is to establish a modern waste management facility in each island, equipped with the necessary vehicles, machinery, and other necessary resources,” he said.

President Solih said his administration plans on establishing three regional waste management centers across Maldives, and that the various waste management projects run by the government is aimed at fulfilling the plan, and managing waste like other civilized societies.

He also announced plans to invest a portion of the Green Fund on environmental protection initiatives, and parties involved in developing human resources and capacity building in the field.