To ensure : That the link between our consumption and lifestyle and growing volumes of waste is understood and that waste volumes in the Maldives need to be reduced and minimized.
Key outcomes : Enhanced awareness and understanding of issues associated with increasing
waste production

Issue: Unique geography poses a key development challenge for the country. The dispersion of the population across the Archipelago raises the cost of delivering services, as economies of scale are difficult to achieve in service provision.
The principle of Polluter Pays requires the person or organization generating waste to bear the full cost of its segregation, collection, transport and final disposal. The rationale behind this principle is that by paying for its disposal, the polluter has the incentive to minimize the cost and amount of waste generated. It is also important to identify who is the polluter, which includes individuals, industries, resorts, importers and suppliers. In the Maldives the application of the principle involves establishing a fee collection system that represents the true costs of waste management.
Strategic approach: This message theme aims to create awareness of the Polluter Pays Principle and promote understanding of the true cost of providing waste management services in the Maldives.