Eliminating PCBs: A Cleaner Future for the Maldives

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are highly toxic industrial chemicals that persist in the environment, posing serious risks to ecosystems and human health. Addressing this threat was critical for safeguarding the Maldives’ delicate ecosystems and protecting the wellbeing of its communities. The UN is committed to the elimination of PCBs with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) aiming to eliminate the use of PCBs in equipment by 2025, and ensure the environmentally sound waste management of PCB-containing liquids and equipment by 2028.

In August 2024, the Maldives marked a pivotal step toward environmental protection by safely disposing of 24 tonnes of electrical equipment potentially contaminated with PCBs. This effort was part of the "Eliminating Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) through Sound Management of Chemicals" project, led by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy in collaboration with UNDP Maldives and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The initiative ensured safe disposal of 17 switchgears, 14 transformers, and 5 tonnes of transformer oil from Fuvahmulah and Addu City, home to 7% of the population. The waste was documented, transported to the Interim Hazardous Waste Storage Facility in Addu City, and then shipped to a PCB Decontamination Centre in Belgium, following international standards and UNDP's Social and Environmental Standards for full transparency and compliance.

Beyond disposal, the project invested in local capacity building. Thirty workers, including employees from the state-owned utility company, received training in PCB waste handling and disposal, aligning their skills with international best practices. This knowledge transfer strengthens the region’s long-term ability to manage hazardous waste safely and effectively.

The project also strengthened institutional capacity with training on hazardous waste management and POP prevention, while enhancing transparency through a Grievance Redress Mechanism and updated Environmental and Social Management Plan. From safeguarding communities and ecosystems, to building local expertise and advancing national priorities, this initiative demonstrates our ongoing commitment to a cleaner, healthier future for the Maldives. 

This initiative directly supports the Maldives' compliance with the Stockholm Convention and aligns with the Maldives’ Strategic Action Plan priorities, fostering healthier communities and cleaner ecosystems.

This article is first published at UNDP Maldives website on Eliminating PCBs: A Cleaner Future for the Maldives

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