Noonu Kudafari Pioneers Sustainable Waste Management with the Takakura Method

Noonu Kudafari proudly announces the success of its innovative waste management initiative, which applies the Takakura Method to transform food waste into a valuable resource. Launched in November 2024 in collaboration with Soneva Namoona, Kudafari’s centralized composting center is now a model of sustainable practices tailored to island communities.

This initiative addresses a pressing environmental challenge in the Maldives, where 41% of waste is food waste, requiring daily collection in the tropical climate. Kudafari collects an average of 160 kilograms of food waste daily from households. Using the Takakura Method, the community has implemented an efficient, localized solution that overcomes contamination, reduces reliance on costly centralized systems, and creates nutrient-rich compost.

Community collaboration has been key to this success. Partnering with Soneva Namoona, residents—from schoolchildren to elders—actively contributed through workshops, addressing challenges and developing local solutions. By utilizing existing resources like land, labor, and time, the initiative remained cost-effective while fostering a profound sense of shared ownership.

The benefits extend beyond waste management. By reducing ocean dumping, Kudafari is protecting coastlines and supporting healthier marine ecosystems essential to livelihoods. The initiative also empowers residents by providing training to repurpose food waste, enhancing community pride and resilience.

We express our deepest gratitude to the people of Kudafari for your dedication to this vital effort. Your commitment to household waste management, collaboration with council staff, and mutual support have made this initiative a beacon of success. Together, you’ve shown how a united community can drive meaningful, lasting change.

This project serves as a blueprint for other islands facing similar challenges. By combining community participation, circular design principles, and practical innovations, Kudafari demonstrates that sustainable waste management is both achievable and impactful.

Islands interested in replicating this model or learning from Kudafari’s experience are encouraged to get in touch. Together, we can work towards a cleaner, greener future.