Waste to Art Event Brings Laamu Community Together

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment teamed up with Parley Maldives to carry out a beach cleaning event called Waste to Art in Gan, Laamu Atoll on Friday in celebration of World Environment Day.

The event, held from 6:30 am to 9:00 am, saw around 220 volunteers taking part. Participants included members of the Ministry, Laamu Atoll Council, Maldives National Defence Force, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company, Gan Council, and other local organisations.

Over 200 meters of Gan’s beach was cleaned during the programme. A total of 987.2 kilograms of plastic and other waste was collected. After the cleanup, the waste was reused to create artwork. Selected pieces were recognised and winners were chosen from the participants.

Mohamed Zahir, Director General at the Environment Ministry, told PSM News that the main aim was to educate both children and the public about the dangers of careless waste disposal. He noted that the event also followed this year’s World Environment Day theme, which highlights the issue of plastic pollution.

The activity received strong support from the public and was seen as a meaningful step toward protecting the natural beauty of the Maldives.