Insiders
Afrah Ismail, Co-Founder of Zero Waste Maldives, shares thoughts and learnings from visit to Sri Lanka
Afrah Ismail, Co-Founder of Zero Waste Maldives, visited Sri Lanka to witness first-hand the plastics collection and recycling infrastructure and management. During the visit he gained actionable intelligence on the local perspectives held on plastic pollution, sustainability, and Extended Producer Responsibility. Mr. Ismail visited many recycling organisations and facilities and met with Government Representatives and Members of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and shares insights from his visit.
How was your visit to Sri Lanka and what did it entail?
The visit to Sri Lanka was illuminating. I was especially attracted to the views on plastic pollution and the work being done to reduce single use plastic pollution amidst the mounting pressure globally to stop single use plastic. This trip was very insightful, especially regarding the work that Adelphi and Zero Waste Maldives is doing in setting up the extended producer responsibility scheme for the Maldives. Adelphi is a leading independent European think-and-do-tank for climate, environment, and development. They aim to support the Maldivian Government in developing an ERP scheme that focuses on the internalisation of environmental costs and incentives for innovative practices. We have always been interested in cross-border collaboration with neighbouring countries and this trip presented itself as a very good opportunity to meet potential partners for future collaborations and knowledge sharing.
Can you tell me about yourself and about Zero Waste Maldives and some of the key projects implemented over the years?
Zero Waste Maldives is a civil society organisation that works primarily on Waste Management and Climate Change related Issues in the Maldives. Our main goal is to get the Maldives government on board with the Circular Economy agenda, which entails markets that provide incentives for reusing products, rather than scrapping them and extracting new resources. In a Circular Economy, all forms of waste including plastics, garments, scrap metal and obsolete electronics are reintroduced to the economy or used more efficiently. We collaborate closely with both the public and private sectors to ensure that waste reduction and circularity are considered in key government policies. The main work that we are doing is creating the Extended Producer Responsibility Framework for the Government of the Maldives which will be the backbone of the circular economy in the Maldives. We also work closely with UN agencies and the private sector to implement smaller projects that are targeted towards island communities.
Sustainability has become a very important topic amongst governments, companies, and the public. Do you feel that everyone in general has the right understanding about Sustainability?
Not entirely. The term has lost its true meaning in recent years due to its overuse, particularly as a marketing gimmick. Sustainability can mean a variety of things depending on the situation, but from an environmental aspect, I consider circularity to be synonymous with sustainability. Ensuring that a product produced can be reused again in the market in its original intended purpose. Plastics have always been a major point of conversation when it comes to waste and sustainability.
There has been a major misunderstanding of PET. What do you think has been the reason for people to misunderstand PET?
The most noticeable type of litter and waste is PET. Because it is one of the most cost-effective, widely available, and durable materials, it quickly accumulates if the right infrastructure is not in place to ensure that it reaches its designated end-of-life destination, whether it is landfilled, burned or recycled into other products. PET being mismanaged at its current end of life is the major reason that it is misunderstood.
The global plastic recycling industry is estimated to reach approximately $45 Billion by the year 2026. It supports the environment and has a great potential towards nurturing economies and livelihoods. Why do you feel that people haven’t understood its potential?
We do not have a robust manufacturing sector in the Maldives and the actors in that sector are primarily interested in placing things on the market, not ensuring circularity or profiting from recycling. There is clearly a lot of value to be extracted but the proper actor has yet to emerge with the necessary investments to demonstrate that it can be done. Sometimes action speaks louder than words, like in the case of the Maldives, where someone must step in and demonstrate that things can be done differently and that they CAN be done. With more and more countries putting up green walls on recyclables such as Plastics it is an important sector for local actors to invest into.
Globally, companies are slowly embracing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) over Consumer Social Responsibility, what are your thoughts about the shift?
Extended Producer Responsibility, in my opinion, is the cornerstone policy that governments may use to shift from a linear economy to a circular economy. More work and energy should be invested into putting this policy approach into practice. EPR provides a much-needed platform for collaboration across various industries and governments. We are amid a climate emergency, which necessitates immediate collaboration and cooperation.
Some individuals and companies have understood the potential that PET holds. Eco Spindle is one such organisation that understands the value of PET. You had an exclusive visit to their plant and got to experience the work they do and how they do it first-hand. What are your thoughts on Eco Spindles and their efforts to deal with the waste issues?
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this level of advanced technology exists this close to home. In the Maldives we have been collecting and shipping single use plastic overseas to countries like India and Taiwan and my first thoughts were why were we not shipping it to Sri Lanka and having that cross-border collaboration with our closest neighbour. Eco Spindles is working hard to find more solutions to plastic pollution, both in terms of production and research and development. It was fascinating to see how the entire material supply chain works, from the Local Collection Agents to the collection stations, MRFs, and transportation to the Eco Spindles recycling facility. The similarities and differences with the Maldives waste management system were eye-opening, especially considering the work we’ve done to develop an EPR plan for the Maldives.
How would you describe your experiences with PET recycling?
In the Maldives, we don’t recycle anything in the country. Almost all the PET that is collected for recycling is exported. Personally, I believe that the country is losing value because raw material gathering is the most expensive and has the worst profit margins. But it makes a lot of sense for the Maldives if we can recycle and develop value-added upcycled materials and goods.
What are your thoughts on the products Eco Spindles and the partner companies have been able to produce?
For me, what makes sense for PET recycling is the upcycled products that these entrepreneurs have been able to create. PET recycling from bottle to bottle presents too many obstacles and risks of contamination for a food contact material, hence the safest solution is to upcycle PET into the items that Eco Spindles and partners are currently producing. It’s critical that the items have a long useful life so that they don’t become a problem down the road. It’s nice to see that these businesses are also considering how to recycle the PET products they create.
Sri Lanka had announced to go to a plastic ban, but they instead implemented an EPR solution, an initiative that has now proven results. What are your comments on Sri Lanka’s decision to choose EPR and discontinue the plastic ban?
Personally, I believe that some plastic products should be prohibited. Especially those that promote a take-make-trash linear economy, which puts a strain on waste management systems and the environment around the world. In Sri Lanka, I believe that the change from ban to EPR on some products has resulted in a favourable mindset shift within the industrial sector, as well as a significant increase in investment in recycling. This boosts both the country’s technical expertise as well as the creation of a new industrial sector that can provide economic value to the country.
It’s also encouraging to note that a variety of stakeholders are trying to improve interception and recycling rates around the country. This will encourage more money to flow into the informal waste management sector, as well as increased participation in collection and recycling efforts around the country.
When governments make policy decisions, the most important stage is to conduct thorough stakeholder consultations and discover the optimal middle ground that benefits all stakeholders. What are your thoughts on Sri Lanka’s existing waste management and collection centre infrastructure?
We were able to see how the Plastic Waste collecting infrastructure is built up, and how it is set up makes a lot of sense. All players at all levels of the process are compensated for their efforts to guarantee that the collected plastic reaches its intended destination, which is a recycling centre. This, in my opinion, is a significant flaw in the Maldives’ current system.
Do you see EPR and PET recycling as a feasible option in the Maldives as well, especially at a time some companies are showing interest in setting up recycling plants?
Yes, a PET recycling factory backed by an EPR scheme would be very successful in the Maldives. Just from the Maldives’ beverage manufacturers, about 3500 tons of PET should be generated each year.
What type of impact would you think a feasible EPR solution would have in your country?
Plastic and packaging waste would be included in the EPR program we are developing for the Maldives, but it might later be expanded to include other recyclables such as aluminium, tin, e-waste, glass, and other materials. Our intention with supporting the government in setting up this policy is to help Maldives transition to a circular economy. We also see the EPR scheme supporting the waste management infrastructure in the Maldives, particularly at the island level, by recognizing the value of recyclables and ensuring that they are collected separately so that they can be recycled in the Maldives.
Do you see room for further knowledge sharing collaborative sessions between both countries?
Yes, we see several areas where we can share our expertise and knowledge, particularly in the field of EPR. We are enthusiastic about sharing what we know and assisting our neighbours with their waste management efforts.
News
Riaan Drever appointed Cluster General Manager of Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, idyllic island escapes nestled in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, has announced the appointment of Mr. Riaan Drever as their new Cluster General Manager, effective July 1, 2024.
Mr. Drever brings over two decades of global hospitality expertise to his role, including an impressive 11-year tenure within the Maldives itself. Driven by a deep passion for exceeding guest expectations, he has carved a successful career overseeing luxurious resorts and spearheading innovative hospitality projects.
A true visionary leader, Mr. Drever is renowned for his commitment to excellence and dedication to blending luxurious experiences with authentic Maldivian culture. “I’m excited to continue contributing to the Maldives’ hospitality sector alongside the local team and Accor,” shared Mr. Drever, “ensuring every guest achieves their dream vacation.”
As the Maldives continues to be a top travel destination, Mr. Drever’s leadership promises to further solidify its reputation for exceptional hospitality.
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- Mercure Maldives Kooddoo: This adults-only retreat offers a more intimate experience. Nestled on Kooddoo Island, it’s just a 50-minute domestic flight from Malé. Unwind and explore the island’s hidden gems at your own pace, indulging in delectable local flavors.
Memories Made to Last
Under Mr. Drever’s visionary leadership, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo promise an unforgettable Maldivian escape. Discover endless possibilities and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay today and experience paradise!
It was ‘honeymoon season’ in Suez. Sultan Haji Imadudeen was reigning on a throne of love in Egypt. But back home, those were darker times, as Maldives continued to borrow from Bohra merchants of Mumbai. After all, the wedding expenses of the monarch had to be paid by the state.
Imadudeen has appointed his younger brother, Dhoshee Manippulhu of Maandhooge, as the regent to take care of the state’s affairs, but it was Prince Ibrahim Dhoshimeynakilegefaan of Athireege who ruled. Prince Ibrahim’s son, Abdul Majeed Didi of Athireege, took charge of stabilising the nation.
Backed by the British masters and business elites in Male’, Abdul Majeed Didi began hatching a secret plan. Finally, by the early hours of March 10, 1910, onlookers could understand that something was happening in Muleege. Beeru Mohamed Fulhu, who was at the Friday Mosque, saw the door being opened and Mohamed Shamsudeen being escorted out by his brother-in-law Abdul Majeed Didi and Sayyid Kilegefaanu, also known as Khatheeb Seedhi. The two men accompanied Shamshudeen to Boduganduvaru, the royal palace, and placed him on the throne as Sultan Shamsudeen Iskandhar, Al-Salitc. As Shamsudeen was the brother-in-law of both men, the aim behind the plan could mean more than just stabilising the nation; there might have been personal motives and interests.
After appointing Shamsudeen the sultan, Khatheeb Seedhi told him that no one was ever going to challenge his reign. He said that Shamshudeen was not going to leave the throne unless he wished to do so.
Khatheeb Sidi’s saying became true, as Shamsudeen remained in power for the next 31 years, six months and 28 days. That was until he left behind all the privileges of a king for the sake of his beloved son Hassan Izzuddeen, for whom he built Henveyru Ganduvaru or Muleeage from where he started his journey to become the sultan at one midnight. As the famous public speaker and poet Ibrahim Shihab later said, the sultan abdicated for the only son he ever had.
Muleeage, the presidential palace which is now 105 years old, was originally built for Shamsudeen’s son and the then Crown Prince Hassan Izzudeen. The palace was originally named as Henveyru Ganduvaru. It was a symbol of the king’s love for his son.
The origin of this address goes back to the era of the heroic Sultan Hassan Izzudeen, also known as Dhonbandaarain. This plot of land was first used to build a thatch hut when Muhammad Manik of Mulee shifted his family to the capital city. The house was later inherited by Dhonbandaarain and then by Ibrahim Noorahdeen and then by his son Shamsudeen. Hassan Izzudeen was born to Shamsudeen and Sithi Didi, daughter of Bodu Sidi of Kalhuhurage.
When Izzudeen was studying in Ceylon, Shamsudeen decided to build the house before his son returned home. Shamsudeen decided to build it as a palace for the crown prince.
Fully funded by state coffers, the project was commissioned in 1914. Ahmed Dhoshimeyna Kiligefaanu of Athireege was assigned as the project manager. Architects and builders were brought from Ceylon. Architecture and the design was that of the Victorian era with a touch of colonial architectural design. Furniture too was imported from Ceylon. Few transoms were designed by Easa Mohamed Fulhu from the island of Kela in Haa Alif Atoll.
The palace was opened on December 7, 1919, with a special Mauloodh, a cultural prayer.
Izzudeen came back from Ceylon after his education to live in the palace as “Henveyru Ganduvaru Manippulhu”. He lived with privileges that don’t match with that of any other prince. As he was a highly-skilled musician, the palace became a theatre for music. Izzudeen sang with his beautiful voice whilst also playing harmonium. Boys of his dance group, widely known as “Nashaa Party” danced to his music, dressed as ladies. Boduberu too was part of the fun at the palace. It was full on partying till midnight on most days. It is said that the novel, Dhonthuhkalaage Gellunu Furaavaru (lost teenage of Dhonthuhkala), written by Muhammad Ismail Didi of Meerubahuruge, was based on an incident that happened at the palace.
The elite of Athireege took all that as inappropriate for a crown prince. Their disapproval grew and Izzudeen was considered as someone who is ineligible for the throne. The first written constitution in the history of Maldives was passed as a result. It was written in that constitution that the sultanate will only go to a grandson of Dhonbandarain, effectively removing Izzudeen from the royal inheritance path.
But the constitution was later received by the people as a burden, as new laws were introduced to a population that was not aware of such rules. It made their life miserable.
“We can’t bear this anymore,” they said, as they gathered at the Gulhakulhey Fasgandu, an open area just next to the headquarters of the army, and tore apart the document. They even attempted to bring out some ministers to be dealt with by the mob.
The country then saw increased hostile actions against the government from Izzudeen who tried to take over.
Prime Minister Hassan Fareed issued orders to arrest Izzudeen’s allies. Izzudeen went to Bodubandeyrige, then headquarters of security forces, in person to try save his allies. Shamsudeen left the throne to follow.
The prime minister, who was paving way for the change in government, used this as an opportunity to overthrow Shamsudeen. The latter was banished to Fuvahmulah, in the far south, together with his son Izzudeen.
Izzudeen died on the island after a short ailment, whilst Shamsudeen was brought back to Male’ as his health deteriorated. He died shortly thereafter. Henveyru Ganduvaru was deserted after that.
All the palaces except that of the sultan were later downgraded and Henveyru Ganduvaru became Muleeage, taking the name of the first house built at the address.
Muleeage was used for several purposes for the next 80 years before becoming the presidential palace in 1953. From 1942 to 1947, it was used to house the ministries of home affairs and defence, and the office of the head of intelligence. It also served as the headquarters of the first newspaper in the country, Sarukaaruge Khabaru.
With the first republic that came into being in 1953, Muleeage became the presidential palace, serving as the official residence of Mohamed Ameen Didi, the first president.
As the monarchy was reinstated after overthrowing Ameen and abolishing the republic in a coup, Muleeage became the office of the prime minister. Ibrahim Famuladeyrikiligefaan and Ibrahim Nasir were prime ministers who used the office. At one point during their administrations, Muleeage also housed the ministry of defence.
Presidential palace and several ministries at some point, Muleeage has been in use ever since.
Apart from this, several high profile guests of the state stayed there during their visits. Late Queen Elizabeth and her late husband, The Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philips were amongst those.
Although Ibrahim Nasir, as the first president of the second republic, declared Muleeage as the presidential palace again in 1970, he didn’t use it as such. His successor, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was the first president to formally use it as his official residence. He stayed there from 1988 to 1994, before moving to Theemuge, a newly built presidential palace which later became the Supreme Court.
The first Supreme Court, which was the result of the present day constitution, was temporarily housed in Muleeage in 2008. Then came President Mohamed Nasheed who chose to make it the presidential palace yet again. It was also used as the offices of a national inquiry commission, which was setup to investigate the events surrounding Nasheed’s early departure in 2012, before becoming the presidential palace again.
In the century that has passed since Muleeage was built in its current design, it has witnessed numerous historical events in the country. It witnessed the declaration of the first republic and the reinstating of the monarchy. It hosted heads of states as well as ministers from different parts of the world. Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandi was one amongst them to be remembered.
Been a place for all that, the status of Muleeage is much more important in our history; it was the childhood home of Hassan Izzudeen, Dhonbandaarain, the heroic sultan who freed Maldives from the short-lived rule of the Malabari invaders, also known as “Holhin”. This was the place from where he came out for his battle with the flag of freedom flying over his head.
CROSSROADS Maldives has announced the appointment of Ibrahim Farhad as the new Director of Retail at the Maldives’ premier integrated multi-island leisure destination. Farhad, known for his extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable tourism management to his new role. He will oversee the retail operations at The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives, enhancing the leisure, dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences for visitors from around the world.
Farhad’s impressive background includes significant contributions to policy formulation and stakeholder engagement during his tenure as the Senior Policy Director at the Maldives Ministry of Tourism. In this role, he was pivotal in developing and implementing policies that promoted sustainable tourism. He collaborated closely with government agencies and international organizations to ensure regulatory compliance, and his expertise in research, analysis, quality assurance, and capacity building has been instrumental in shaping the tourism sector in the Maldives.
In his new role at CROSSROADS Maldives, Farhad will oversee the strategic development of retail spaces, ensuring they offer a diverse and high-quality visitor experience. He will collaborate with local and international partners to bring unique products to The Marina, aligning with the destination’s commitment to sustainability and cultural authenticity.
“As a native Maldivian coupled with his extensive experience and deep-rooted community connections, Farhad is a great addition to our team at CROSSROADS Maldives. I am excited to see the fresh perspectives and innovative strategies he will introduce at The Marina, which will further strengthen CROSSROADS Maldives’ position as the premier integrated multi-island leisure destination,” said Alexander Traeger, General Manager of CROSSROADS Marina and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton.
CROSSROADS Maldives looks forward to the innovative and sustainable approaches Farhad will bring to the retail operations, enhancing the overall experience for all visitors.
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