The Maldives is a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) made up of roughly 1,190 islands spread over 860 kilometres in the Indian Ocean. Of the Maldives territory, 98% is ocean and the remaining 2% are islands -- presenting a unique solid waste management challenge.
Like many other SIDS, a relatively recent rise in population growth, tourism and demand for imported goods has resulted in an increase of waste. Plastic waste comprises 12% of all waste in the Maldives and threatens marine ecosystems, the tourism industry, and public health.
This document outlines the nature of the plastic pollution problem in the Maldives; available information about the national, subnational and to a smaller extent international policy landscape guiding government approaches to the plastic pollution problem in the country; and what, if any, information exists about the effectiveness of these policy approaches.
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