PRF to meet stakeholders to address waste management challenges in Taveuni

In a bid to have a groundbreaking initiative to possibly implement sustainable and effective recycling practices in Taveuni, the Pacific Recycling Foundation, in collaboration with Tourism Fiji will meet to address the waste management challenges.

This follows urgent requests from the residents of Taveuni to PRF, particularly the Taveuni Tourism Association, for improved waste management solutions.

PRF says like many other outer islands and maritime areas in Fiji, Taveuni lacks a proper waste management system and has been struggling with increasing waste challenges.

PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo says changing mindsets and behaviours towards recycling and proper waste management is critical for achieving a sustainable environment.

Deo says taking recycling initiatives to Taveuni is also part of PRF's "Look Beyond" movement-building approach, emphasising that better waste management systems should not be exclusive to only certain sectors or groups based on socio-economic status.

He says this is the first step in a series of actions that will lead to the possible implementation of PRF’s recycling program in Taveuni.

The Founder further says the program will aim to educate and engage the local community on best recycling practices and establish a system for transporting recyclables from Taveuni to Suva for processing.

He adds that the objective is to collaboratively develop solutions that align with PRF’s holistic approach to sustainable waste management.

Meanwhile, Tourism Fiji CEO, Brent Hill says they are proud to support PRF in its efforts to address waste management challenges in Taveuni.

Hill says they believe that sustainable tourism goes hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship as Taveuni is a wonder and it is undeniably important to protect the natural resources and establish a sense of responsibility among the communities.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications and others will participate in the meeting.

The meeting will be held in Taveuni on Thursday.