MOPA Celebrates Inauguration of Material Recovery Facility on World Environment Day
Hulhumale’, 5th June 2023 (Monday) – The Maldives Ocean Plastics Alliance (MOPA) proudly commemorates the opening of its state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on World Environment Day. This milestone event marks a significant step forward in the fight against plastic pollution and showcases MOPA’s dedication to creating a sustainable future.
The event, held at the MRF premises in Hulhumale’ Phase 2, was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Mr. Ahmed Gais, Deputy Managing Director of Urbanco, who served as the chief guest. Notable attendees also included Dr. Aditya Panda from The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), MOPA’s generous funding partner.
MOPA President and Co-founder, Thoriq Ibrahim, delivered an inspiring speech expressing gratitude to all partners and highlighting the impact of this collaboration. He emphasized the facility’s role in driving a circular economy and its contribution to the Maldives’ ambitious sustainability goals.
Acknowledging the global context, Thoriq Ibrahim stated, “As the world heads towards a UN-sponsored Plastics Treaty, we are committed to making Maldives a frontrunner in both advocacy and action against plastic pollution. The opening of this facility is a step in the right direction.”
TCCF’s generous grant of USD 150k has played a pivotal role in the establishment of the MRF, demonstrating their shared vision of environmental sustainability. Through MOPA’s PET Collection Projects, over 120,000 kg’s of PET bottles have already been collected and processed for recycling, showcasing the facility’s immediate impact.
Thoriq Ibrahim extended his heartfelt gratitude to all project partners, including Urbanco and TCCF, for their invaluable contributions. He highlighted the MRF’s status as one of the largest in the country, capable of making a substantial difference in waste management and plastic recycling.
The inauguration of the MRF on World Environment Day highlights the collective determination to combat plastic pollution. With this year’s theme of “Solutions to Plastic Pollution,” MOPA’s efforts align with the Maldives’ vision of becoming a frontrunner in advocacy and action against plastic pollution.
Looking ahead, MOPA remains committed to developing local solutions and enhancing domestic plastic recycling capacity. By fostering partnerships between government, non-governmental organizations, and the corporate sector, MOPA aims to establish a sustainable and resilient future.
About MALDIVES OCEAN PLASTIC ALLIANCE (MOPA)
Registered in 2020, MOPA is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization focused on forging alliances, and works in the jurisdiction of the Maldives. MOPA is the first, and so far only, locally-registered non-government initiative dedicated to forging strong stakeholder alliances to reduce, recover, reuse, repurpose and recycle ocean plastics in the Maldives. MOPA believes in working with manufacturers, importers, retailers, consumers, tapping into corporate social responsibility initiatives to safeguard our pristine environment. MOPA is committed to science, contribute to education and awareness and conform to policy initiatives, to formulate community-based programs and ambitious projects aimed at ridding pollution from our oceans. MOPA is inspired by the commitment of the
government of Maldives to address ocean plastics through strong legislation. MOPA also supports the global movement towards banning single-use plastics.