- Single Use Plastic Phase-out policy in the Maldives
The Maldives is practicing a phase-out policy of Single Use Plastic (SUP). This policy aims to phase out plastic products and importation of SUP by 2030, and encourage people to use sustainable products instead of plastics. This policy has purposes such as protecting human health and conserving the marine environment in the Maldives. To accomplish phasing out, and reducing marine and land litter, the Maldives have plans in the Single Use Plastic Phase-out policy below.
- Import, Production and Sale of Specific SUP Products are banned: Specific 10 SUP includes SUP plates, cups cutlery and stirrers.
- Market Based Instruments (MBI’s): Increase tariffs for the specific SUP products from June 2020.
- Strengthening National Waste Data and Setting Reduction Targets for Plastic Packaging: All importers to declare materials with plastic packaging, and customs to update and control inventory of HS codes for plastic packaging. By enforcing these policies, the Maldives aims to reduce marine litter using this strategic policy instrument to phase out single use plastic by 2023.
Reference
Hawwa, N. (n.d.). Single Use Plastic Phase-out policy for Maldives (Rep.). Ministry of Environment Republic of Maldives.
- Initiatives at resort facilities for sustainability
Some resort facilities in the Maldives have strategies for sustainability. One example is Kudadoo Maldives Private island which opened as a resort island in the Maldives in 2018. A significant feature of Kudadoo Maldives Private island is the big photovoltaic roof. The Maldives already had solar panels; however, most of them are hidden in discrete areas. Kudadoo Maldives Private island thinks that solar panels should be productive, informative, persuasive and a part of the design of resort facilities. Thus, they put solar panels on the roof. This photovoltaic roof creates enough electricity to power the entire resort without additional energy. Also, the initial expense of this facility will be paid off in only five years. Moreover, structures of Kudadoo Maldives Private island are made of timber from sustainably certified forests in Canada, New Zealand and Indonesia. Hence, resorts that can generate their own energy as Kudadoo Maldives Private island can help the Maldives as a sustainability tourism.
Reference
Borgobello, B. (2018, December 28). Impressve solar-powered island resort opens in the Maldives. Retrieved November 13, 2020, from https://newatlas.com/kudadoo-island-maldives/57717/
- National water and sewerage policy (NWSP)
The government of the Maldives is focusing on providing access to safe water and improved sewerage facilities for all islands in the Maldives to achieve “Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensure Access to Clean Water and Sanitation for All.” The NWSP has nine policy goals, and following these policy goals will support sewerage facilities and water supply systems in the Maldives in terms of economically feasible and environmentally sustainable technology.
There are nine policy goals from NWSP below.
- Ensure access to safe water supply and adequate sewerage services for all.
- Adopt cost-effective environment-friendly, appropriate technologies in developing water supply and sewerage systems.
- Strengthen legal framework.
- Encourage the private sector to invest and engage in water and sewerage services development.
- Build institutional capacity in water resources, water supply and sewerage services.
- Maintain financial and environmental sustainability of water and sewerage services.
- Strengthen advocacy and awareness programs in water resources, water supply and sewerage.
- Promote research and development for sustainable use of water reduces, water supply and sewerage systems.
- Protect and conserve water resources.
References
Abdul, M. M., Shaheeda, I. A., & Mohamed, M. (2017). National Water and Sewerage Policy (Issue brief). Republic of Maldives: Ministry of Environment and Energy. Retrieved November 13, 2020, from https://www.climatechangenews.com/2019/11/18/three-islands-inspired-maldives-fight-water-shortages/
Tetratech. (n.d.). Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene. Retrieved November 13, 2020, from https://www.tetratech.com/en/markets/international-development/practice-areas/water-sanitation-and-hygiene
- Protect biology system (coral reef)
Coral reefs are one of the most famous purposes to visit the Maldives. However, Coral reefs in the Maldives have faced severe problems such as a decreasing coral cover because of the growth of tourism development. Thus, some tourism companies have practiced restrictions to conserve coral reefs. For example, tours by Naturetrek Wildlife Holidays takes only 16 passengers on a small ship, and a professional marine biologist escorts customers. These small group tours can reduce the risks of negative impacts on the environment and coral reefs. Also, the Maldives began the coral conservation project at palm beach island resort. This project helps to grow corals into enough size first, then tries to re-attach the corals to natural substrates. This project helps the recovery of damaged coral reefs.
References
How Environmental Impacts Are Minimised. (n.d.). Retrieved November 13, 2020, from https://year11geoleileikung.weebly.com/sustainability.html
Save the Beach Maldives. (n.d.). Retrieved November 13, 2020, from https://savethebeachvillingili.wordpress.com/
- Fishing technique “pole and line”
In the Maldives, fish is the main natural resource. Mainly, tuna is the primary export resource, and it is the second biggest industry after the tourism industry. Fishing is a significant sector for the economy and income for women in the Maldives. Thus, fishermen use a pole and line, a fishing technique, which means that fishermen catch fish one by one. By using this fishing technique, people can reduce damages to marine life. A pole and line technique protects the local ecosystem and some endangered marine creatures such as turtles. This excellent practice example in the Maldives was shared and discussed at the second oceans forum in 2018.
References
The Maldives set an example of sustainable seafood value chains. (n.d.). Retrieved November 13, 2020, from https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/maldives-set-example-sustainable-seafood-value-chains