Launch of the ISLANDS Project: Collaborative Efforts to Manage Hazardous Waste in Indian Ocean Small Island Developing States

Elections Politics John Brightwater September 1, 2024

Launch of the ISLANDS Project: Collaborative Efforts to Manage Hazardous Waste in Indian Ocean Small Island Developing States

**Launch of the ISLANDS Project: Collaborative Efforts to Manage Hazardous Waste in Indian Ocean Small Island Developing States**
On June 12, 2024, a significant three-day inception workshop commenced in Port-Louis, Mauritius, marking the official launch of the ISLANDS Indian Ocean Regional Project. Esteemed stakeholders including representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management, and Climate Change of Mauritius, and various organizations from the four Indian Ocean Small Island Developing States (SIDS)—Comoros, Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius—participated in this pivotal event.

The unique geographical and socioeconomic contexts of SIDS present formidable challenges in the management of hazardous and chemical wastes. Limited land areas, high population densities, and constrained resources are further exacerbated by a heavy reliance on imports and tourism. This has led to an influx of complex and hazardous waste, necessitating a coordinated effort to improve management practices. The ISLANDS Project, which is funded by the Global Environment Facility and spearheaded globally by the United Nations Environment Programme, aims to mitigate the impact of hazardous chemicals and wastes, including Persistent Organic Pollutants and Highly Hazardous Pesticides. This initiative encompasses 33 SIDS across various regions, ultimately benefitting approximately 10 million individuals.

Specifically, the Indian Ocean component, managed by the UNDP, seeks to enhance cooperation among Comoros, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles, targeting environmental safety and sustainable waste management practices. It is anticipated that the project will positively impact 940,341 residents in the Indian Ocean region by facilitating the safe disposal of 16,261 tons of contaminated materials and averting 8,000 tons of marine plastic pollution amongst the four SIDS.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Xiaofang Zhou, Director of the UNDP Chemicals & Waste Hub, acknowledged the invaluable contributions from numerous partners that enabled the project’s design and validation. She underscored the necessity for collaboration among all stakeholders, including government entities, the private sector, and local authorities, to achieve significant results for communities within the Indian Ocean SIDS.

Ms. Amanda Serumaga, the UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, emphasized the economic ramifications of inadequate hazardous waste management in these regions, which adversely affects health, environmental sustainability, tourism, and fisheries. She assured that the UNDP Multi-Country Office would closely work with project partners and regional stakeholders to secure successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the project.

Deputy Director Mr. Beedassy of the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change acknowledged the essential support provided by UNDP and the Global Environment Facility in launching the ISLANDS project. He expressed optimism that the project would fill critical gaps in Mauritius’s waste management approach through diverse strategies, including the establishment of stringent controls on chemical imports, environmentally responsible disposal practices, and effective partnerships with the private sector. Furthermore, Mr. Beedassy emphasized the importance of disseminating the knowledge generated by the project for broader application.

The workshop’s agenda included presentations by key figures from the UNDP, such as Mr. Charles Nyandiga, the ISLANDS Indian Ocean Project Executive, and Ms. Clara Mottura, the project manager. The subsequent days of the workshop will focus on sharing experiences from representatives of the four SIDS and conducting field visits to hazardous waste facilities, culminating in discussions on Circular Economy measures relevant to SIDS.

In conclusion, the launch of the ISLANDS Indian Ocean Regional Project symbolizes a significant commitment by the SIDS to adopt innovative and collaborative strategies for managing their hazardous waste challenges. Through coordinated efforts, the project is expected to deliver substantial benefits for the environment and the well-being of the populations in the Indian Ocean region.