The Maalhos Women’s Development Committee (MWDC) in partnership with the Maalhos Island Council (MIC) implemented a community-led initiative to establish a more effective and sustainable waste management system for Maalhos. The initiative was supported through a grant from the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund (BACF), with additional support from the Maldives Environmental Management Project (MEMP) implemented by the Ministry responsible for the environment.

The initiative combined community participation, capacity building, infrastructure improvements, and effective planning to address the island’s longstanding waste management challenges.

As part of the project, members of the community participated in composting training in Weligama, Sri Lanka, gaining practical knowledge and skills that could be applied to waste management on the island. The existing waste management facility in Maalhos was also upgraded, with equipment provided through MEMP.

In parallel, MWDC and MIC worked together to develop a Waste Management Plan for Maalhos. The plan was developed through community consultations, allowing residents to contribute to the planning process and ensuring that the proposed system reflected the needs and priorities of the island community. Following the consultations, the Waste Management Plan was endorsed by the community.

The upgraded waste management facility was officially inaugurated on 6 June 2015, during a special ceremony held in Maalhos to mark World Environment Day. The event was attended by the President of the Baa Atoll Council, a Deputy Minister from the Ministry responsible for the environment, representatives of MWDC and MIC, Baa Atoll Conservation Fund, Maldives Environmental Management Project, and the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office.

The Maalhos initiative demonstrated how community leadership, partnerships, and strategic use of limited resources can create practical solutions to local environmental challenges. By combining the efforts of MWDC and MIC, with financial support from BACF and technical and equipment support from MEMP, the island established a structured waste management system and a community-endorsed plan.

The success of the Maalhos waste management initiative has extended beyond the island. The approach and lessons learned have been replicated in other parts of the Maldives, while the facility has attracted numerous visitors and site visits from within and outside Baa Atoll seeking to learn from the community’s experience.

The project stands as an example of the impact that community-driven environmental initiatives and collaborative partnerships can have in creating lasting solutions. Today, the Maalhos Waste Management Initiative remains an important example of how local communities can lead efforts to improve environmental management and build more sustainable and resilient islands.