Noonu Atoll Development Mid-term Review and Business Planning Workshop for 2025-2027

The Noonu Atoll Development and Business Planning Workshop 2024 marked a pivotal step in defining the next chapter of the atoll’s progress. Held as part of the mid-term review process, the workshop aimed to evaluate ongoing strategies while translating the Noonu Atoll Development Plan into sustainable, bankable social business models through the Atoll Company. Over two days, local Island leaders and subject matter experts came together to foster dialogue, align priorities, and chart a path forward. By emphasising inclusive collaboration, the workshop laid the groundwork for transforming high-level strategies into impactful projects that address the atoll’s diverse challenges.

Key Areas of Focus

The workshop focused on transforming the Noonu Atoll Development Plan into tangible and actionable ventures. Discussions revolved around designing practical frameworks that resonate with community needs, but also unlock economic opportunities. Key areas explored included:

• Governance and Leadership
  Attendees reviewed governance structures for the Noonu Atoll Company, with the objective of ensuring enhanced transparency and efficiency. Discussions emphasised decentralised leadership, which reflects the voices of all 13 island councils, while fostering participatory decision-making processes.

• Resource Sharing and Sustainability
  Options for resource sharing among islands were prioritised, with the aim of reducing redundancies and promoting equitable access. Dialogue focused on community-driven approaches to land use, energy, and water management to ensure long-term resilience.

• Economic Models and Investment Opportunities
  Innovative social business models designed to attract investments were presented, covering areas such as sustainable tourism, circular waste management systems, and eco-friendly enterprises. An example included proposals for developing small-scale businesses that support local livelihoods while preserving cultural and environmental assets.

• Community-Focused Initiatives
  Several community-oriented projects were shared, including proposals for an Elderly Club to address aging population needs and tailored development projects for each island. By centring social well-being alongside sustainable growth, these initiatives highlighted the atoll’s commitment to inclusive progress.

The second day of the workshop focused on fostering alignment among the islands through collaborative planning. Participants, working in groups, identified synergies across island-level projects and explored strategies for partnership-based impact. This collaborative approach encouraged the leveraging of collective strengths, while minimising overlap and inefficiencies.

The Noonu Atoll Development and Business Planning Workshop succeeded in creating a unified vision for the 2025-2027 period. Action points arising from the sessions included a commitment to operationalise the Noonu Atoll Company as a catalyst for social business initiatives and sustainable investments. The outcomes of this workshop will serve as the foundation for future development strategies, offering a blueprint for achieving progress while preserving the unique heritage and ecological integrity of the atoll.

A Path Toward Empowered and Balanced Development

This mid-term review demonstrated what can be achieved when diverse voices work collectively toward shared objectives. By bridging long-term vision with measurable outcomes, Noonu Atoll continues its commitment to fostering resilient, inclusive communities. Together, through strengthened partnerships and innovative approaches, we are building a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone who calls the atoll home. Noonu Atoll’s development efforts are not just about progress—they are about leaving behind a legacy of thriving communities and balanced opportunity for generations to come.