Soneva Namoona, a pioneering local NGO in innovative waste management, and representatives from eleven councils in Baa and Noonu atolls, convened at Soneva Fushi to commemorate six years of significant environmental achievements in the Maldives.
The collaborative efforts between Soneva Namoona and the councils have led to groundbreaking solutions for sustainable waste management on the island level, effectively reducing harmful activities such as the open burning of garbage.
Over the past six years, Soneva Namoona has developed and implemented several flagship programs, including:
- Eliminating 1 million single-use plastic bottles from entering the ocean or being burned by producing and distributing 500,000 liters of Soneva Water in reusable glass bottles or large, reusable plastic containers.
- Diverting over 800 tons of waste from the ocean and landfills through the provision of infrastructure, logistics, and consultancy in Baa and Noonu atolls.
- Recycling 500 tons of materials, demonstrating the community’s commitment to adopting sustainable waste practices.
- Engaging more than 6,000 people in promoting sustainable behavior change and environmental stewardship through various training and engagement programs.
Gordon Jackson, a Namoona Champion with over 12 years of experience in innovative waste management solutions in the Maldives, commented, “Our partnerships with island councils have resulted in numerous innovative practices that are well-suited to our small island context. The formalization of these practices into a model or framework for sustainable waste management represents a significant collective achievement.”
Ibrahim Abdul Rahman, Vice President of the Baa Atoll Council and President of the Kendhoo Island Council, reflected on the transformation, stating, “Waste management was once a low priority. However, with Soneva Namoona’s exceptional support over the past six years, we have achieved progress that was once unimaginable. Together, we have established a blueprint for sustainable waste management practices across the Maldives.”
Dhimsha Abdul Majeed, an island council member from N. Kudafari, emphasized the need for a national rollout, “To maximize the impact of government investments in waste management and elevate the nation’s practices to a truly sustainable standard, I strongly urge the current administration to adopt and implement the Namoona Sustainable Waste Management Model across all Maldivian islands. This model offers a practical and proven pathway to long-term environmental resilience.”
Azhoora Ahmed, who has been with Soneva Namoona since its inception and currently serves as its President, reflected on the organization’s journey and future aspirations, “In 2025, Soneva Namoona is committed to an ambitious expansion to scale our impact across the Maldives. We invite the government, private sector, and like-minded organizations to join us in creating a future where sustainable waste management is a nationwide reality.”
