Soneva Namoona, an NGO that works on waste management solutions, has celebrated its six year anniversary in contributing towards transformative environmental impact in the Maldives.
Soneva Namoona, an NGO that works on waste management solutions, has celebrated its six year anniversary in contributing towards transformative environmental impact in the Maldives.
Soneva Namoona conducts its projects in collaboration with local island councils to establish sustainable waste management systems in various islands.
The anniversary celebration was held at Soneva Fushi. Representatives from the island councils of Noonu atoll Lhohi, Magoodhoo, Kudafari, Baa atoll Eydhafushi, Maalhos, Dhonfanu, Dharavandhoo, Kamadhoo, Kihaadhoo, Kudarikilu and Kendhoo also participated in the event.
Since its inception, Sovena Namoona has developed flagship programs to encourage use of alternatives instead of single use plastics, introduced a sustainable waste management model and conducted programs to encourage love for the ocean.
"Our partnerships with island councils have resulted in many innovative practices which work well in our small island context. The formalization of these practices through a model or framework for sustainable waste management is a great collective achievement,” Gordon Jackson from Soneva Namoona said.
The NGOs achievements reached in collaboration with island councils include:
- Elimination of 1 million single use plastic bottles from entering the ocean or being burnt. They achieved this through the production and distribution of 500,000 litres of Soneva Water, which is packaged in reusable glass bottles or large, reusable plastic containers
- Diverting over 800 tonnes of waste from entering the ocean or being burnt through establishing waste management infrastructure, logistics and consultancy in Baa atoll and Noonu atoll
- Sending 500 tonnes of material for recycling
- Engaging over 6000 people to promote sustainable lifestyles and environmental stewardship through various programs
Local council members also spoke highly of the NGO's initiatives.
As such, Vice President of the Baa Atoll Council and President of Kendhoo Council said Ibrahim Abdul Rahman said, "Waste management was once a low priority. But over the past six years, with Soneva Namoona's incredible support, we have achieved progress far beyond what we imagined. Together, we have demonstrated a blueprint for sustainable waste management practices across the Maldives.
Azhoora Ahmed, current President of Soneva Namoona, who has worked with the NGO since its inception, outlined its aspirations for the coming year.
"In 2025, Soneva Namoona is committed to embarking on an ambitious journey to scale its 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 becomes a nation-wide reality."
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