What is Eco-Tides of Lhaviyani?
The issue
The Maldives, a low-lying island nation, is uniquely dependent on the ocean for its economy and well-being. However, this dependence makes it extremely vulnerable to climate change, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss. Local communities in Lhaviyani Atoll face mounting challenges with waste management due to limited land, high transport costs, and increasing consumption of single-use plastics. Without viable waste management infrastructure, plastics are often burned in open-air fires, releasing harmful emissions, or are discarded into the ocean, where they threaten coral reefs, fisheries, and marine life. These environmental pressures directly undermine livelihoods, health, and the sustainability of local economies built on tourism and fishing.
Our solution
Project Impact
Since the launch of this project, 300+ community members have been mobilised in cleanup events, 100+ children have been engaged in waste awareness workshops, and an estimated, 50 bags of plastic have been sent to Malé for recycling, and a further 30kg of plastic has been separated and stored for future use in the recycling machine.
In November 2025, we launched the project thanks to the UNESCO x Nestlé Youth Impact grant scheme.
Our project addresses marine pollution through a combination of recycling, community clean-ups, and environmental education. The project targets three islands in Lhaviyani Atoll- Naifaru, Hinnavaru, and Kurendhoo, with the hopes of inspiring eco-conscious behavioural changes.
A key component of this project is the installation of a small-scale recycling machine, the first of its kind on Naifaru. A pilot ‘Recycling for Rewards’ scheme, in which locals will receive monetary incentive to participate in plastic recycling has also been launched.
Looking Forward
In the coming months, we plan to continue collecting plastic at our centre, and will incorporate plastic recycling as an educational tool during our ongoing outreach programmes.
The Eco-Tides of Lhaviyani project has successfully established the foundations for a long-term, community-led recycling initiative. We see a future where no plastic is burned in open air on Naifaru, and plan to continue expanding this project in the hopes of working towards this future.