On 21 September 2024, Kulhudhuffushi City joined the global movement for a cleaner planet by celebrating World Cleanup Day with a cleanup event. Organized by the Maldives Authentic Crafts Cooperative Society (MACCS), in collaboration with the Kulhudhuffushi City Council, WAMCO, and local schools, this event is an integral part of the ongoing project to improve the wellbeing of the people and the ocean of Kulhudhuffushi.
A Day of Action: Cleaning Up Kulhudhuffushi
Kulhudhuffushi City mobilised for a great cleanup effort with over 250 volunteers joining hands to collect 530kg of trash from the Veligandu area opposite Rahmathifannu within one hour. The event was joined by students and staff from Afeefuddin School, HDh Atoll Education Center, and Jalaaluddin School, staff from Kulhudhuffushi City Council and WAMCO, all united together to tackle the growing issue of plastic pollution in Kulhudhuffushi. A total of 163 kg of plastic bottles and 113 kg of other plastics were collected.
The cleanup was held as part of the MACCS project, “Improving the wellbeing of HDh Kulhudhuffushi people and ocean through plastic pollution prevention,” granted under the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project implemented by the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) and supported by UNOPS and World Bank.
Tackling Plastic Pollution for a Cleaner, Greener Kulhudhuffushi
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Each year, 8 million tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, where they damage marine ecosystems, endanger wildlife, and impact human health. A large percentage of this waste comes from single-use plastics—the kind of waste we frequently encounter in our everyday lives.
This cleanup is not just about picking up trash—it’s about taking collective action, raising awareness, and inspiring a shift toward sustainable alternatives. By making small changes, like switching to reusable items, we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint and prevent further damage to our oceans.
During the event, the Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi, along with officials from WAMCO, addressed the participants about the importance of keeping our island cleaner, greener, and more livable for future generations. The Mayor emphasized how communities like ours, when united, can make a lasting impact.
Thank You to Our Partners
We would like to extend a big thank you to all the schools, organizations, and individuals involved in organizing this important event. Special thanks to Afeefuddin School, HDh Atoll Education Center, Jalaaluddin School, Kulhudhuffushi City Council and WAMCO.
Together, we can make Kulhudhuffushi a cleaner, greener, and healthier place for all. This is just the beginning —through continued education, action, and community involvement, we can work toward a sustainable future for Kulhudhuffushi and the world.
