Fushifaru Maldives organises anti-plastic initiative for local community

On Monday, April 29th, Fushifaru hosted the “Plastic Aa Nulaa” event, drawing the participation of numerous individuals and organisations, including high-ranking government officials and related entities. A cleanup drive in the morning yielded significant results, with 15 sacks of plastic, totaling nearly 50kg, collected from the Hulhumale Central Park area.

Translated as “without plastic,” Plastic Aa Nulaa aimed to promote the reduction of single-use plastic and raise awareness about the current state of the Maldives’ marine environment.

Emphasising the need to preserve the environment for future generations, Fushifaru Maldives’ General Manager Ahmed Siaar warned about the potential consequences of negligence, which could manifest in the next 20-50 years.

“I envision a future where natural beauty remains a reality, not just a distant dream. Let’s strive to live plastic-free,” stated Siaar.

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam highlighted governmental efforts in environmental protection, citing legislative measures such as the 18th Amendment to the Export-Import Act, which banned certain single-use plastic products. Shiyam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to marine conservation and reducing plastic pollution.

Marine Biologist Lorraine Aldridge proposed improvements to drinking water facilities, advocating for widespread adoption of water purification systems to minimise reliance on plastic bottled water, particularly in local communities where desalination processes are common but water quality remains suboptimal.

Khalid Al-Hamadi, Managing Director and CEO of Ooredoo Maldives, underscored the urgent need to address plastic waste, which poses a significant threat to ecosystems and livelihoods. While acknowledging the practical challenges of eliminating plastic entirely, Al-Hamadi stressed the importance of responsible plastic usage and pledged Ooredoo’s ongoing commitment to environmental conservation.