Nala Nala Raajje

The Maldives, February 2008

Waste management is one of the most pressing environmental issues in the Maldives. In response to this issue the Government of the Maldives, with the support of international donors, is developing a range of policies and strategies for improved waste management in the Maldives. Public awareness has been identified as a key component in improving waste management practices. A Framework for Action (FFA) for the Maldives National Public Waste Awareness Program 2007-2012 has now been developed to provide a clear, consistent framework and key messages for waste awareness initiatives across the country.

The program objective is “to increase knowledge and awareness about waste management issues in the Maldives via the dissemination of key messages, to foster a more aware and informed public”.

Nala Nala Raajje is the slogan that has been developed for the National Public Waste Awareness program (understood as Keep Maldives Clean). Taken together, the slogan Nala Nala Raajje, the logo and the jingle will provide a memorable ‘trademark' for the program and encourage the public to become actively involved in waste awareness activities.   The program includes the development of TV and radio spots, news print articles, a dedicated website, training programs for retailers, journalists and community trainers, education kits and a series of posters for local communities. There are 4 key message themes under the program; 1) Waste reduction and minimization, 2) Effects of poor waste management, 3) Stakeholder responsibility and 4) Polluter Pays.

The National Waste Awareness Program, Nala Nala Raajje was launched by the Environment Research Centre on the 3 rd February 2008. The Maldive National Public Waste Awareness Program will last for 5 years from 2007 to 2012. For more information please refer to the Nala Nala Raajje website at http://www.erc.gov.mv/wasteaware .