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MOPA, partners launch waste segregation programme in Kudahuvadhoo island
The Maldives Ocean Plastics Alliance (MOPA), together with the organisation’s partners and the Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Council officially launched the ON THE GROUND, IN THE SEA: WASTE SEGREGATION MODEL ISLAND KUDAHUVADHOO programme in Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, on Thursday.
The launching ceremony was attended by MOPA officials and Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Council Members, as well as representatives of key partners Male Aerated Water Company Limited (bottlers of “Coca-Cola” beverages), Dhaal Atoll Education Center, Live and Learn, Dhaalu Airport, Manta Air, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Women’s Development Committee, International Pole and Line Fishing, Kudahuvadhoo Waste Management Center and West Marine.
In his opening remarks, the Founder and Chairman of MOPA, Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim highlighted that the Waste Segregation Model Island programme was one of the flagship projects of MOPA. He noted that the programme was conceptualised early last year, and expressed his satisfaction that the endeavour had become a reality, with MOPA being able to handover the much-needed bins and bags required to implement a full-scale segregation of waste on the island. “Kudahuvadhoo can become the first island to fully comply with the new waste management regulation, including segregation at household levels”, he added.
The ceremony at Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Waste Management Center was kick-started by handing over the waste collection bins to officials of the Dh. Kudhuvadhoo Island Council. This was followed by a community awareness and educational session on solid waste management, segregation at source and recycling, which was held at Dhaalu Atoll Education Center. The session was attended by the Centre’s students, their parents and the Members of the Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Council.
MOPA’s initiative provides over 1000 bins in total, with each household being allotted two bins, 4 gunny bags for the collection of Metal & Glass Wastes, Plastic Waste and Other (Mixed Wastes). This allows to complete the facilitation of the households to segregate 4 types of waste (Organic Waste, Plastics, Metal & Glass, Other (mixed wastes) and the waste management centre to efficiently collect and manage the island’s waste. Island Council through the Kudahuvadhoo Waste Management Center (KWMC) then facilitates daily collection from the households and take the segregated waste separately to the KWMC.
MOPA’s program also includes transporting all collected PET bottles from Kudahuvadhoo to Malé. From there, the plastic is exported for recycling by Parley Maldives. Since its inception in September 2020, MOPA has collected over 40 tonnes of plastic.
The programme on Dh. Kudahuvadhoo also involves educating and raising public awareness on solid waste management and recycling. MOPA thanks the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology for their support and assistance in preparing the programme material.
At Thursday’s launching ceremony, Ibrahim Fikuree, the President of the Island Council thanked MOPA and its partners for their support, and reiterated the commitment of the Council and the island community to successfully implement the programme. “We are focused on become the first island to fully comply with the new regulation”, he said.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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