In a bid to fight against the mounting waste crisis in Fiji and the region, the Pacific Recycling Foundation co-led a landmark three-day strategic workshop in Sydney Australia to mark PRF's sustainable waste solution provider.
This has highlighted by Pacific Recycling Foundation Founder Amitesh Deo.
Deo says the workshop included the University of New South Wales and the Australian, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands Plastics Pact.
He says that their organization has long advocated the rights and recognition of informal collectors of recyclables known as Collection Pillars of Recycling, this partnership with UNSW and ANZPAC is a historic achievement.
Deo reiterates among the breakthroughs planned for roll-out between 2025 and 2027, PRF and ANZPAC are expected to spearhead an aggressive expansion of collection and recovery programs across supermarkets, recreational parks, religious institutions, government ministries, and the tourism sector in Fiji and the region.
PRF and its partners have also planned to launch upcycling projects, a robust communications strategy will ensure widespread awareness and active participation in recycling efforts across Fiji and the Pacific.
Deo adds the proposed activities received resounding validation and support from high-ranking government representatives in Sydney, including Fiji’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mosese Bulitavu, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Environment, Dr. Sivendra Michael, and senior Australian Government officials, including Cameron Hutchinson, Head of Delegation from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water for Australia.
Reflecting on the significance of this collaboration, PRF Founder Amitesh Deo says this is more than just a partnership.
He says the commitment from both the Fijian and Australian governments signals the dawn of a new era with waste volumes rising and communities at risk, this partnership with UNSW and ANZPAC sets the stage for lasting change.
UNSW’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lisa Zamberlan, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to collaborating with PRF on up cycling solutions to address different waste problems in Fiji and the region and capacity building and exchange learning.
Senior ANZPAC Manager, Angela Mayer says the last three days demonstrated how open minds, curiosity, and determination can move individual ideas into powerful partnership approaches.
Mayer says ANZPAC is looking forward to collaborating not just with PRF and UNSW on this partnership but also bringing the wider industry into the discussion to make these workshop outcomes a reality.
The workshop started on Tuesday and ended today.
