Takakura Community Composting Project – Call for Island Council Proposals

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Takakura Community Composting Project, a transformative initiative designed to revolutionise organic waste management across the 12 inhabited islands of Noonu Atoll. This project marks a significant step toward building a circular economy, inspired by nature’s closed-loop systems and driven by community participation.

About the Project

The project builds on the proven success of the Takakura Method, a simple, low-cost composting technique that uses gunny bags and Lactobacillus starters to convert food waste into high-quality compost in just 21 days. This method is odour-free, low-tech, and financially sustainable, making it ideal for community-led waste management. By expanding this approach to 12 additional islands, we aim to empower local communities to take charge of their organic waste and turn it into a valuable resource.

Project Highlights

The project will run for a duration of 6 months, covering 12 islands across Noonu Atoll. It is supported by a grant of MVR 2,000,000, with an additional MVR 2,400,000 in co-financing, bringing the total project value to MVR 4,400,000. This funding will support infrastructure, training, and operational costs to ensure the success and sustainability of the composting facilities.

Key Objectives

The project aims to establish 12 fully operational composting facilities by the end of the 6-month period. These facilities will collectively divert over 1.5 million kilograms of food waste annually, significantly reducing pressure on landfills and minimising environmental impact. In turn, they will produce over 1.5 million kilograms of compost annually, which will support local agriculture and enhance food security. To ensure effective implementation, 60 waste management staff—five per island—will be trained in composting operations and community-led waste sorting.

Implementation Phases

The project will be implemented in three phases.

• Phase 1 (Month 1) will focus on confirming composting sites, finalising co-financing agreements, and conducting bulk procurement of necessary equipment and materials.

• Phase 2 (Months 2–4) will involve equipment installation in two waves, a 3-day training programme on each island, and the commissioning of the first compost batches.

• Phase 3 (Months 3–6) will cover daily operations, monthly progress reporting, and a final evaluation to assess impact and sustainability.

Why It Matters

By turning organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, this project will help enrich sandy soils, boost local agriculture, and promote sustainable island living. It represents a community-powered solution to waste management and a step toward a greener, more self-sufficient Noonu Atoll. The project also fosters environmental stewardship and resilience in the face of climate challenges.

Interested in Participating?

We invite island councils across Noonu Atoll to submit proposals and become active partners in this exciting initiative. Your participation will be key to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our islands.

Councils Action Required

We are pleased to inform you that the project resolutions and agreement documents, along with the Takakura Toolkit, have been duly dispatched to all island councils within Noonu Atoll.

Accordingly, we respectfully request that each council:

1. Review and execute the agreement;

2. Pass the accompanying resolution;

3. Allocate the necessary budget for project implementation;

4. Notify the Noonu Atoll Council upon completion of the above actions.

These steps are essential to ensure timely and coordinated implementation of the Takakura Community Composting Project across all participating islands.

Please note that the deadline for submission of signed agreements, passed resolutions, and budget confirmations is 30th September 2025.

For enquiries, please contact:

• Zameer Zubair – zameer@noonunaturally.com

• Ali Shameem – ali.shameem@kudafari.gov.mv

• Abdulla Hameed – abdulla.hamaeed@noonu.gov.mv

• Planning and infrastructure department – planning@noonu.gov.mv

• Abdul Muhaimin – abdul.muhaimin@nooonu.gov.mv