The Republic of the Maldives and Parley for
the Oceans announced an extension of their partnership to create a
scalable, nationwide framework for solutions to ocean and climate threats.
Through the Future Island Nation program, Parley and the Maldives aim to
address everything from marine plastic pollution to climate change to illegal
fishing; and bring solutions towards the achievement of multiple UN
Sustainable Development Goals, such as SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean
Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable
Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible, Consumption and Production), SDG
13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life below Water) and SDG 15 (Life
on Land); not to mention SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
"To leave toxic materials in the past, we need to do more
than intercept them. We need to develop and test new materials, new technologies
and question existing product concepts and business models," said Parley
founder Cyrill Gutsch. "By inventing Ocean Plastic, Parley turned a
problem into an economic opportunity; and with our AIR Strategy, we are
creating the blueprints for systemic change.
"The Republic of the Maldives was early to believe in our
vision and to act on our strategy. We're honored to call the Maldives the first
Future Island Nation, because we see this magic country as a Symbol of Change
and a canvas for the new," Gutsch continued. "Together, we are now not only
combatting marine plastic pollution, but piloting solutions for climate change
and illegal fishing."
The island nation was the first to answer a global call to
action led by Parley in collaboration with the UN-OHRLLS (United
Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries,
Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States) to
demonstrate how small island developing states (SIDS) can become leaders in the
fight to end marine plastic pollution by implementing the Parley sir strategy (Avoid,
Intercept, Redesign) in a collaborative, innovative approach to solutions.
Maldives first entered into a collaboration with Parley in
September 2016, during the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly. Since
piloting the project, Parley has introduced programs to reduce the nations
reliance on single-use plastics, as well as plastic interception and baling
sites in island communities and more than 70 schools. Parley has also led
collaborative cleanups on affected coastlines, and opened the first-ever
recycling center and innovation lab in the island nations capital, Malé.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, local schools and NGOs, Parley
Ocean School programs have helped more than 100,000 youth and their
parents go swimming and snorkeling to experience the world beneath the blue
surface, many for the very first time.
With the successful completion of an initial pilot phase,
Parley recognizes the Republic of the Maldives as the first Future Island
Nation. The expanding collaboration now includes the Ministry of Environment
and the national waste management company WAMCO in a 10-year action
plan. Immediate steps include policy change, the expansion of recycling
infrastructure, cleanups and community education initiatives across all levels
of society, industry and government. And similar to fellow island nation Palaus
approach with its "Palau Pledge," education and direct-action initiatives will
also be offered to tourists visiting the Maldives, empowering visitors to become
messengers for the oceans and bring change back to their homeland.
Declaring the Maldives as the base and epicenter for its next chapter, Parley is calling for a Material Revolution and is gathering the world's leading creators and scientists to replace all harmful materials and products used in the supply chains of its brand partners within the next seven years. The base for this global innovation initiative will be a small island called Kondey Mathee Laabadhoo in the southern atolls of the Maldives, where Parley is building a permanent collaboration space called Parley Station One, in collaboration with the Republic of the Maldives.
"As a small island nation, we are faced with many economic
and environmental challenges. We suffer from problems that we didnt create,
and materials we didnt invent," said Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of
the Republic of the Maldives. "Plastic pollution is an example of that. We need
to protect our ocean, because it is our national treasure, and we need to find
ways to establish a new, vibrant blue economy. That is why we decided to take
the path of ocean conservation, collaboration and Eco Innovation with Parley
for the Oceans. Together, we will tackle plastic pollution; harness
alternative, clean energy sources, and protect Maldivian waters from illegal
fishing. I truly believe in the innovative power and resilience of my country,
and its young and creative people."
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