USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity, Quarterly report Q1 FY23

The Activity has an opportunity to lead the way in reducing plastics in the region and serve as a model for identifying "pathways to scale" for other ocean plastics initiatives globally. RTI International was awarded the project on September 30, 2022, and during its first three months, the Activity prioritized Inception Phase tasks to enable a "strong start." Staff recruitment was a key focus during the first quarter, with more than half of the Activity positions being filled. The onboarding of key personnel, including the Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) Sri Lanka, and DCOP Maldives, was completed. Additionally, five long-term staff members were onboarded, including the Objective 3 Team Lead in Sri Lanka, the Objectives 3 and 4 Team Leads in Maldives, the Private Sector Engagement Specialist, and the Director of Operations and Finance. Eight more candidates accepted offers in December and will join the team in January 2023. The Activity also focused on establishing a strong operational foundation, including securing a temporary office in Colombo and transitioning it into a permanent office space at the end of December. The office in Malé, Maldives, is being co-located with partner Live and Learn Environmental Education (LLEE). RTI Home Office Project Coordinator traveled to Colombo in late November to assist with procurements related to a permanent office location and information technology (IT) equipment, as well as to assist with logistical arrangements for a planned event with the National Planning Department. Technical activities also progressed during the first quarter, with the COP holding stakeholder meetings in November and December with more than 15 local actors in Sri Lanka. These consultations informed the development of the Y1 Work Plan and will provide valuable input to the two foundational activities initiated during Quarter 1 Y1: the Solid Waste Management (SWM) and Recycling sector assessments. The Activity also began the process of registration in both Sri Lanka and Maldives. The Activity mobilized an experienced home office team led by RTI's Start-Up Manager, Water Director, and Project Operations Director. The team worked closely with USAID, holding initial meetings with subcontractors Live and Learn Environmental Education (LLEE), The Asia Foundation (TAF), and Planet Partnership, as well as with the USAID team and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). This strong coordination and communication enabled the project to adapt and pivot as circumstances and conditions evolved. Implementation of the Activity's objectives began during the first quarter, with a focus on establishing a strong foundation for the project's success. The Activity's progress against Inception Phase tasks was significant, with key personnel onboarded, staff recruited, and a permanent office space secured. The Activity also made significant progress in establishing partnerships and collaborations with local actors, including private sector organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and civil society organizations. The Activity's technical activities also progressed during the first quarter, with the COP holding stakeholder meetings and initiating the SWM and Recycling sector assessments. The Activity's progress in these areas will inform the development of the Y1 Work Plan and provide valuable input to the project's implementation. The Activity's progress during the first quarter sets the stage for successful implementation of the project's objectives. The Activity's strong foundation, established partnerships, and progress in technical activities position the project for success in reducing plastics in Sri Lanka and Maldives.