Minister of State for Environment and Energy, Abdulla Ziyad notes the importance of marine and ocean conservation as a huge part of Maldives comprises of ocean. The State Minister made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the Ranger Training Workshop for protected areas of Baa Atoll, Fuvahmulah City and Addu City, held by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, in collaboration with International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Referring to statistics, the State Minister stated that each year 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean. He expressed concern over the issue and urged every individual to stop dumping waste to the ocean.
The function was attended by officials from Ministry of Environment and Energy and International Union for Conservation of Nature. A total of 15 participants took part in the 3 day workshop with representatives from Ministry of Environment and Energy and Maldives National University (MNU).
The training workshop was conducted through the USAID funded Regenerate Project under the banner Excellence in Field Management of Natural Resources, a Technical Training for Rangers. The workshop was held from August 24 to 27, in Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve.
The technical training team includes trainers actively participating at the protection of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.