The Ministry of Tourism and Environment, in collaboration with Parley Maldives, conducted a cleaning programme titled 'Waste to Art' in Gan, Laamu Atoll, on Friday to mark World Environment Day.
According to the Environment Ministry, over 200 meters of the island’s beach was cleaned as part of the event. The event saw the participation of around 220 volunteers, including representatives from the Ministry, Laamu Atoll Council, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), Gan Council as well as members of various other organisations.
The clean-up event was held from 6:30 am t0 9:00 am. According to the Ministry, a total of 987.2 kg of plastic and other waste was collected during the event. Waste collected during the beach cleaning activity was later recycled and artworks were created, with winners selected from among the participants.
Speaking to PSM News, Director General of the Ministry of Environment Mohamed Zahir said the main objective of the campaign was to raise awareness among children and the public about the harmful effects of dumping waste.
"We are celebrating World Environment Day. One of the activities we are conducting is in line with this year’s theme to raise awareness about plastics,” Zahir said.
This activity to mark the World Environment Day event was well received by the public.