PRF and Tourism Fiji successfully convened meeting to address Taveuni’s waste management challenges

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Pacific Recycling Foundation, in collaboration with Tourism Fiji, successfully convened the inaugural stakeholder meeting to address Taveuni’s pressing waste management challenges.

This meeting in Taveuni marks the beginning of efforts to implement sustainable and effective recycling practices in Fiji's first outer island.

The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, Technical Advisor – GIZ, Vanessa Dirking, Savusavu Town Council Acting CEO, Nilesh Chand, senior government officials from the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, and Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs, members of Taveuni Tourism Association and stakeholders from various other sectors.

Together, they agreed on three pivotal components to address Taveuni's waste management issues which include the implementation of the Recycling on the Go (ROG) Ambassadors Program at Holy Cross College and Holy Cross Primary School, the establishment of a collection point for all hotels and resorts to drop off their recyclables will form the core of the pilot hotel/resort program and the formation of a cooperative, comprising women and members of the LGBTQI+ community, that will be involved in the collection of recyclables in Taveuni.

Founder of Pacific Recycling Foundation, Amitesh Deo emphasised the importance of these collaborative efforts and said they are thrilled to have successfully convened the meeting to address Taveuni’s pressing waste management challenges.

Deo says this event marks a significant milestone in their efforts to implement sustainable and effective recycling practices in Fiji's first outer island.

He says the collaboration of various stakeholders underscores the importance and urgency of this initiative and by bringing together such a diverse group of stakeholders, a solid foundation has been laid for collective action and shared responsibility.

He adds that the inaugural event in Taveuni is the first step in a series of actions aimed at implementing PRF's recycling programs on the island.

Deo says that recognising the extensive work required, PRF will adopt strategic approaches to develop the three components of the project fully.

He further says two project coordination meetings are scheduled for October 2024, after which the implementation dates are expected to be announced.