September 25, 2023
In a significant stride towards combatting the pressing issue of plastic pollution, the signing ceremony for the Regional Block Grants (RBG) Legal Agreements for Bangladesh and Maldives under the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project took place on the 22nd September 2023 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Three deserving recipients were awarded RBGs, each valued at up to USD 1.5 million including Bangladesh Petrochemical Company Limited (BPCL), BRAC-Bangladesh and the Maldives Authentic Crafts Cooperative Society (MACCS) emerged as the recipients of these grants, following a rigorous competitive application process. These grants were conferred as recognition of their innovative and sustainable solutions to address plastic pollution within their respective countries.
The culmination of this endeavor was marked by a grant-signing ceremony held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This momentous event saw the officialization of the awarded contracts in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the High Commissioner of Republic of Maldives to Sri Lanka, the Deputy High Commissioner of Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the newly appointed Director General of SACEP, Ms. Rokeya Khaton.
The PLEASE Project is co-funded by the World Bank and Parley for the Oceans and implemented by the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), supported by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
