Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) in partnership with Soneva Namoona and the Fainu Island Council, has concluded a collaborative programme aimed at strengthening the island’s sustainable waste management system in Raa Atoll Fainu.
The programme was developed in response to Fainu’s interest in adopting the Namoona Sustainable Waste Management Model, following its successful implementation in other islands across the Maldives. Through MIB’s support and Soneva Namoona’s technical expertise, the project focused on establishing the foundations required for an effective and community-driven waste management system.
Key activities undertaken during the programme include a comprehensive seven-day waste audit, a Namoona Changemaker Workshop, development of a customized Waste Management Plan, installation and operationalization of waste management equipment, and capacity-building training for local waste management teams.
Over the course of the programme, more than 50 participants were trained through workshops and technical capacity-building activities, helping strengthen local leadership and operational capacity for sustainable waste management. In addition, 25 households received home composting kits through the Kaadhu Satheyka Programme, supporting the reduction of food waste at source through household composting.
Main outcomes of the engagement:
Amend the existing Waste Management Plan to incorporate the Namoona Sustainable Waste Management Model, establishing a structured, phased approach to sustainable waste management across the island.
A commitment was established to eliminate the burning of all plastic waste by the end of 2026 and all forms of open burning by the end of 2030.
Community engagement has been a central component of the programme through the Community Fresh Start event, the Kaadhu Satheyka Home Composting Programme, and the Emmenah Engey Bodu Sirru (EEBS) awareness sessions.
As this initial programme has been completed, partners are conducting follow-up activities and assessments to measure impact and ensure that systems established through the initiative continue to deliver long-term benefits for the community.
