Currently, Maldives does not have a proper regulatory framework to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals in the industrial and agricultural sectors.

The widespread use of pesticides to manage pests and diseases that impacts agricultural crops have contributed to environmental degradation and the incidence of chemical related diseases.

With limited capacity to monitor chemicals, there remains a knowledge gap in chemical management and sound management of hazardous waste. The Maldives also does not have proper interventions for sound management of carcinogenic chemicals, and also lacks the means of analyzing environmental parameters such as air and soil quality.

This proposal aims to improve technical capacity for sound chemical management through the following key components:

• Strengthen the institutional capacity to implement chemicals related conventions at the national level
• Identify sources of pollution and waste, and establish a robust chemical import registration system
• Develop national legislation on chemical safety
• Develop an inventory on carcinogenic chemicals in the Maldives, and establish a facility for recovery of chemicals and related waste.