Noonu Natrally > Roadmaps > plans > Building a Circular Economy (LDP-2)

Building Island Council Capacity in Circular Economy Waste Management

Noonu Atoll Council recognizes the importance of empowering island councils to implement effective circular economy waste management practices. To achieve this, council is launching a comprehensive capacity-building program. Firstly conducting a thorough assessment of the specific needs and resources of each island council. This tailored approach will ensure capacity-building initiatives effectively address each council's unique challenges and opportunities. Following the assessment, council will implement a range of capacity-building activities. These may include workshops on composting techniques, recycling best practices, or the development of circular economy action plans. Investing in technology and infrastructure is also crucial. Council will explore the feasibility of establishing waste processing facilities or providing island councils with essential equipment for waste management. Finally, the Noonu Atoll Council will develop and implement clear policies to guide circular economy waste management practices across all island councils. These policies will promote consistency, transparency, and accountability, fostering a collaborative approach to waste reduction across the atoll.

From:: September 2024
To:: December 2024

50%

Completed

Chronology

Leading Team

The Public Works Team is a combined unit encompassing the Council Secretariat and the company. This team is responsible for the overall development, and maintenance of infrastructure. Duties include project conceptualization, design, implementation, and management, ensuring the efficient and sustainable development of public facilities and services for the community.

Public Works Team

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

1.1 Municipal Service Development

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

To effectively implement a circular economy, it is essential to provide training programs for island council staff and waste management personnel on circular economy principles, composting techniques, baler machine operation, and data management. Facilitating knowledge exchange between islands through workshops, online platforms, and peer-to-peer learning sessions will foster collaboration and promote best practices. Organizing community outreach programs to raise awareness about the circular economy and encourage responsible waste management practices will further strengthen community engagement and support for the transition to a more sustainable future.

Improving Waste Management Infrastructure and Data Management

To effectively implement a circular economy, procuring appropriate baler machines for each island or region based on waste volume and types is essential. Ensuring proper maintenance and training for efficient operation will optimize their effectiveness. Additionally, designing and implementing a centralized or island-specific database to track waste generation, recycling rates, and policy effectiveness will provide valuable data for monitoring progress and making informed decisions. Investing in upgrading existing infrastructure, such as collection bins, composting facilities, and transfer stations, as needed, will further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of waste management operations.

Assess Needs and Resources

To effectively implement a circular economy, it is essential to evaluate the current expertise and capacity of staff within the atoll council. This includes assessing their understanding of circular economy principles, waste management practices, and relevant technologies. Additionally, analyzing the budget available for capacity building and equipment acquisition will help determine the feasibility and scope of the circular economy initiatives.

Strengthening Waste Management Policies

To promote a circular economy, it is crucial to implement policies that address hazardous waste management, sustainable procurement, and waste producer responsibility. A policy for safe collection, storage, and transportation of hazardous waste, such as batteries and chemicals, should be drafted and implemented. Additionally, a waste reduction procurement policy that encourages island procurement of products with recycled content, minimal packaging, and longer lifespans should be developed. Introducing a waste producer pay framework, where waste producers pay based on the amount and type of waste they generate, will incentivize responsible waste management. Finally, a policy for cleaning up and managing waste on isolated land plots will help prevent environmental pollution and public health risks.