USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity Quarter 3 Year 1 Progress Report (April-June 2023)

The activity is implemented by RTI International and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Implementation progress during the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2023 (April-June 2023) focused on private sector engagement (PSE) and solid waste management. Preliminary findings of SWM systems mapping identified key challenges and opportunities for improvement. Private sector forums were held in Sri Lanka and the Maldives to engage with stakeholders and identify innovations for SWM. Technical activities included the development of a targeting approach for PSE, which prioritized private industrial sectors in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The activity also focused on improving informal waste sector (IWS) workers' living conditions through a human-centered design approach. A simplified tool was introduced for tracking changes in stakeholder interests and influences. Cross-cutting activities included the development of a performance enhancement and consolidation tool (PERFECT) to monitor and evaluate the activity's progress. A political economy analysis (PEA) was conducted for the Maldives to understand the enabling environment for SWM. The activity also engaged with local government authorities and provincial councils to strengthen the enabling environment for SWM. Management, staffing, and operations were also key areas of focus during the reporting period. The activity recruited new staff and implemented a staff management system. Operations were streamlined to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The activity made significant progress during the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2023, with key accomplishments including the development of a targeting approach for PSE, the introduction of a simplified tool for tracking stakeholder interests, and the improvement of IWS workers' living conditions. Challenges and mitigation actions were also identified and addressed during the reporting period. The activity's progress is monitored and evaluated through a robust monitoring and evaluation system, which includes the development of indicators and a learning plan. The activity's sustainability is also a key focus area, with efforts made to strengthen the enabling environment for SWM and empower communities to drive local SWM solutions. The activity's progress is reported in detail in the annexes, which include the program overview, activity monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan progress, activities progress, success and case stories, and the Maldives PEA report. The activity will continue to implement its objectives and make progress towards reducing ocean plastics in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Key highlights from the private sector forums included the identification of innovations for SWM and the engagement of private sector stakeholders. The activity also made progress in improving IWS workers' living conditions through a human-centered design approach. A simplified tool was introduced for tracking changes in stakeholder interests and influences.