The Maldives Ocean Plastic Alliance (MOPA) held a panel discussion on “Impact of single use plastics in Maldives” in light of World Environment Day. The panel discussion featured environmentalists, activists, advocates and business professionals.
Founder of MOPA, Former Minister of Environment and Energy of Maldives, Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim spoke extensively regarding the matter in his speech.
He described the panel as a microcosm of the core object of MOPA, which is to bring together a diverse array of issue stakeholders to work in partnership in their collective passion to reduce single-use plastic pollution in the country. He asserted his belief that, a strong network could be created that complements the efforts of the government and state institutions in addressing the growing problem of plastic waste pollution.
“It is pertinent that this panel discussion coincides with this year’s World Environment Day. The theme itself encapsulates our work – Reimagine, Recreate, Restore. The challenges before us warrant bold and ambitious action.” stated Mr. Thoriq in his speech.
According to Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim, MOPA recently celebrated its first year and highlighted their achievements such as efforts to venture out into local communities and to lend a helping hand to councils, small businesses and NGOs seeking solutions to the sharp increase in single-use plastics in a country with no domestic recycling infrastructure.
He further discussed that MOPA’s two flagship projects – the PET Reverse Logistics Project, which has so far collected over 17 tonnes of plastic for recycling in 6 months, and the Greater Male’ Plastic Collection Project, which has grown to include over 150 cafes and restaurants in the capital, who have already made a telling contribution.
“The feedback from government and industry, as well as academics and activists, has been remarkable. It enlightened us to the need for more research and academic contribution to help policymakers” said Mr. Ibrahim Thoriq.
Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim announced the launch MOPA’s monthly newsletter “Green Bulletin’ in his speech and ended his speech wishing the panel success and voiced his hope for many similar opportunities to share collective knowledge and experience on the issues of waste management and environmental sustainability in the Maldives.
MOPA is registered NGO which works with its partners to safely repurpose single use plastics. It is the brainchild of the former Environment Minister Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim.