Over a thousand people participated in the Zero Plastic Run held on Friday.

The event was organized by Insight Consultancy Services (ICS) Maldives to create awareness on the negative environmental impact caused by plastic.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, event ambassador Hassan Farhan Mohamed said that ICS will be organizing the run every year to shed light on the issue.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who participated in the run, said that the event is a great opportunity for people to join the environmental conservation efforts.

First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim said that she joined the run to create awareness on the dangers of plastic.

Vice President Faisal Naseem highlighted the importance of the event as a show of mutual trust and friendship between people.

Many members of the cabinet joined the Zero Plastic Run, including defence minister Mariya Ahmed Didi, who urged plastic bottle manufacturers to be more responsible.

Minister of Communication, Science and Technology Mohamed Maleeh Jamaal said that the run has shown him that the use of plastic has decreased in Maldives.

Also at the event, acting police commissioner Mohamed Hameed said that the run will send an important message to the community.

Many ordinary citizens, including children, and foreigners joined the event, held in Hulhumale’ from 8:00am to 10:30am.

One of the 100-days pledges of President Solih’s administration is to decrease the use of single-use plastic at government institutions and offices.

Many guesthouses, cafés and restaurants have also reduced their plastic use since the inauguration of the new government.