Maldives x Common Seas Signs MoU, Implementing Single-Use Plastic Phase Out Plan 2020-2023

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a corporation between two parties to implement the Maldives single use plastic phase out plan from 2020 to 2023 was signed by Ms. Aminath Shauna, Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology, and the Chief Executive Officer of Common Seas, Ms Jo Royle. The historic MoU was signed by the Environment Minister while she was in Lisbon, Portugal for the UN Ocean Conference 2022.
 
“As an island nation known for our pristine waters, we find ourselves on the front line of the global plastic crisis. This MoU further strengthens our commitment to reduce our reliance on single-use plastic and develop viable alternatives for the future. "Common Seas’ Plastic Drawdown tool and technical advice has been invaluable in helping us formulate a powerful plan to eradicate plastic pollution from source to sea.” In regards to the MoU, Ms Shauna shared her insights.
 
Common Seas will assist the Maldives in putting into action its Phase-Out Plan, which mandates that the nation phase out unneeded single-use plastic by 2023. The strategy calls for a "take back the tap" campaign, water fountain installation, and citizen engagement to encourage refilling over bottled water, which currently accounts for about 50% of the Maldives' discernible plastic pollution. A policy framework for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs for single-use plastic bottles is also included.
 
Furthermore, the Ministry of Tourism will work with hospitality businesses to measure and cut back on their use of plastic through the implementation of a plastics reporting tool and coach. Resources are also being developed for the Ministry of Education to motivate and prepare educators and students for the drastic reduction of single-use plastic waste in educational facilities.
 
As the UN negotiates a new Global Treaty on Plastic Pollution over the next two years, the Maldives will become a key example of how to address the plastic problem thanks to this work. The MoU further solidifies the connection between Common Seas and the Government of the Maldives.
 
The partnership was established in 2019 when Common Seas used its Plastic Drawdown tool to assist the Maldives government in comprehending the scope and nature of its plastic pollution issue as well as potential solutions. In September 2019, the UN General Assembly was able to hear the president of the Maldives announce a plan to gradually phase out single-use plastics thanks to this procedure.
 
“Back in 2019, we used our Plastic Drawdown tool to show that plastic waste entering Maldivian waters each year was on track to increase by 45% over the following decade if nothing was done. We were honored to play our part in the President of Maldives’ announcement of a plan to phase out unnecessary single-use plastic. We look forward to continue working closely with The Government of the Maldives to protect the nation, its economy and the health of its people from the ever-growing threat of single-use plastic waste. Maldives’ ambition and action on plastic makes it a lighthouse Ocean Nation. We hope this latest announcement attracts more countries to work with Common Seas to break the plastic wave.” Ms Jo shared her thoughts on the course.