The Three R’s in the Maldives

There is a plan to build a recycling factory in one of the islands.  Write an article expressing your views.

By: Aishath Zeyba Atho

We proudly call Maldives a paradise on Earth, with its white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. In reality, this beauty along with the biodiversity is getting destroyed due to a serious waste problem. While some of us argue that locating a recycling factory will spoil the scenic beauty of our islands, I for one am rooting for this development.

          Over the years, our islands have been getting packed with tourists along with a rapid population growth. This has increased the already pressing matter of solid waste polluting our environment. Moreover, it has adverse impact on our coral reefs and marine life which consequently harm our two most vital industries, tourism and agriculture. A large recycling factory will go hand in hand with environmentalists who are trying to protect our biodiversity from plastics.

          Furthermore, building a recycling factory in one of our islands will give us the much needed development. It will not only benefit the locals by creating more jobs, but it will also open other opportunities such as an airport or higher education to facilitate the progress of the island’s recycling project. More importantly, don’t you think that reducing our waste by recycling would improve the hygiene of our islands? It is no doubt that this will help us eliminate spread epidemics due to improper waste disposal.

          On a closing note, I am with the environmentalists who are advocating for progress. I firmly believe that this development will further attract investors to fund more projects to save our fragile environment. Henceforth, it is a wise idea to prioritize conserving our natural environment.