Over 280kg of Waste Collected During World Cleanup Day in Hulhumalé

More than 120 volunteers gathered at the Hulhumalé Phase II beach yesterday to remove 282.67kg of waste from the shoreline. The initiative, held under the hashtag #Saafumaadhamaeh, was organized to commemorate World Cleanup Day 2026. The two-hour event, which ran from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, saw a diverse coalition of participants including youth organizations and environmental NGOs. Beyond the physical removal of debris, organizers conducted a detailed waste audit, recording 3,522 individual plastic items to better understand the specific types of pollution impacting the beach. The effort was supported by a wide array of academic and environmental groups, including the Villa College Student Association, the Maldives National University (MNU) Student Union’s student wing 'ABYSS', Barnacles, Green Raajje, and Ripple. Additional logistical and operational support was provided by Banyan Tree, Dhawa Ihuru, Parley Maldives, the Scout Association, and Let’s Do It Maldives. World Cleanup Day began in 2008 in Estonia and has since evolved into a global movement. Today, millions of people across 190 countries participate in the event, seeking systemic solutions to the world's growing waste management crisis. For the Maldives, where the fragile marine ecosystem is central to both the economy and national identity, such events serve as more than just cleaning exercises. Organizers emphasized that while removing existing litter is vital, the long-term goal is to foster a societal sense of responsibility. The drive aimed to remind residents and visitors alike that maintaining a clean environment is essential for the future sustainability of the archipelago.