The Maldives Journal, Day 2: Thilafushi

Marleen van Driel, Monday 13th November, Morning

Our first full Malidivian day! The group enjoys moving through the un-touristic streets and waters of Malé. Todays most distressing activity was our Thilafushi visit; the biggest waste island of the Maldives. This island, surrounded by its opposites, embodies today's environmental, social and economical challanges. Guided by the United Nations, we're confronted with the enormous burning piles of waste. WAMCO, the local waste management centre, explains how they work on innovating the waste management of the country. The collection of waste from households is one of their main goals. A great threat is the lack of public awareness for waste disposal. Their 'knock on door' policy, for people who don't put their waste outside, shows their drive to deal with this issue.