US Aid and Maldives Join Forces to Improve Waste Management

US Aid and Maldives Join Forces to Improve Waste Management

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has signed a strategic partnership with the Maldives' Ministry of Environment and the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) to strengthen waste management practices and reduce plastic pollution in the ocean.

Two agreements were signed under USAID's Ocean Plastic Reduction Project, with the partnership officially launched at the Male' Waste Transfer Station. These agreements align with the Maldives' "Saafu Raajje" National Waste and Resource Management Policy and Strategy.

The signing ceremony was attended by USAID's Assistant Administrator for Asia, Michael Schiffer, and the Maldivian Minister of Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim. The partnership aims to address significant environmental challenges facing the Maldives, with both countries pledging their cooperation.

According to the US Embassy, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Environment will focus on strengthening the legal framework, improving data collection and management, and supporting community awareness campaigns. The MoU with WAMCO aims to enhance institutional capacity, develop green procurement policies, and promote gender equality in waste management.

The US Embassy stated that these initiatives represent a crucial step towards improving waste management efficiency and sustainability across the Maldives, contributing to a more sustainable future for the country.

USAID's Ocean Plastic Reduction Project is a five-year initiative designed to reduce plastic input and improve waste management practices in the Maldives.

This collaboration between USAID and the Maldives is expected to play a significant role in addressing the environmental challenges faced by the island nation, particularly in waste management and plastic pollution reduction.