Soneva Namoona X WDCs Launches Alun Balun Resale Market in Noonu Atoll

On Friday, Soneva Namoona extended the scope of its highly successful Alun Balun Resale Market to include Noonu Atoll by partnering with six different Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) from their representative islands. The atoll’s first-ever resale market was held concurrently across all six islands, namely Noonuu Magoodhoo, Lhohi, Kudafari, Maafaru, Landhoo and Holhudhoo.

The Alun Balun Resale Market initiative was initially introduced in October 2022 as a collaborative effort between Soneva Namoona and WDCs from seven islands in Baa Atoll. The aim of the market is to instill a culture of reuse and resource conservation among communities while empowering women to become environmental stewards. As part of this endeavour, WDCs collect reusable items from households, clean and repair them when necessary and transport them to the neighbouring islands for resale.

The rotation of used goods enables WDCs to overcome the challenge of selling them among a limited number of households by bringing the products to a new community. Since its inception, the resale market has approximately generated MVR 20,000 and intercepted more than 500 items from ending up in landfills or being burned.

The participating islands enjoy several benefits from the resale market. By redirecting reusable items away from Island Waste Management Centers (IWMCs), they are able to reduce waste sent to landfills and incinerators. Moreover, it also provided exposure to WDCs and helps to empower them and build their leadership qualities. Ultimately, the program assists in creating awareness about the importance of reuse and resource conservation.

Mohamed Basheer, Noonu Atoll Council President remarked: “We are working closely with the Soenva Namoona team and WDCs to try and make the Alun Balun resale market a regular event in Noonu atoll – one that would outlast the term of the current elected councils and WDCs. That is why we are doing all we can to institutionalize this initiative. The program will create a lasting impact on waste management and help promote a circular economy in the atoll.”

“We are delighted to support the expansion of the Alun Balun Resale Market to Noonu Atoll. This will help create a culture of reusing goods which would otherwise needlessly end up in landfills. We commend the efforts of the Women's Development Committees and the support from Noonu Atoll Council and the island councils in making this initiative a reality. Together, we can make a positive impact on waste management and environmental sustainability.", said Khadeeja Hamid from Soneva Namoona.

The Alun Balun resale market in Noonu Atoll seeks to replicate the positive outcomes achieved in Baa Atoll, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility, and encouraging the reuse of goods. The market is held with support from the Noonu Atoll Council as well as the six island councils.