More than 100 sacks of rubbish have been collected from the Lomolomo Beach in Lautoka as 100 staff and students of the University of Fiji gathered this morning to clean the beach.
UniFiji says some of the most common types of garbage disposed at the foreshore were fizzy drink bottles and cans, alcohol bottles, paper plates and cups, baby wipes and diapers, and household items such as cooking stoves and corrugated iron were also collected.
They say the initiative took more than a month’s planning and is an output of community engagement contained in the University’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026.
While launching the initiative this morning, University of Fiji Council Member and Principal of Pundit Vishnu Deo Memorial College, Ravindra Varman says today marks an important moment for the UniFiji staff and students as this is a cause that transcends individual roles and responsibilities as citizens of Fiji.
Varman says the significance of this beach clean-up campaign extends far beyond the shores they clean.
He says this initiative is not merely about picking up trash; it embodies their collective responsibility towards their community, Fiji and the planet in the face of climate change.
Varman adds let us not only collect trash but also educate and raise awareness.
UniFiji’s Director Human Resources, Ashneel Kumar Singh says recognizing the critical importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability is pinnacle to combating issues of climate change.
He says this initiative aligns with the Sub-Strategic Plan of the HR Department, which emphasizes Community Engagement, Environmental and Social Responsibility.
Singh says pollution has far-reaching effects on the environment, contributing significantly to climate change.
The HR Director says the accumulation of waste, especially plastic, not only harms wildlife but also disrupts ecosystems, leading to long-term environmental damage and by organizing such initiatives at the grassroots level, UnFiji aims to create a ripple effect that will inspire broader community actions and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.
The University says they were supported by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change along with sponsors such as Jack’s of Fiji, Coca-Cola, Digicel, Subrails, Al-Hamd, Sugar Taxis, Universal Office Supplies, Bondwell, Lautoka City Council, GEM IT Solutions, Home & Living, Office Supplies and Rentals, Wasteclear West (Fiji) Pte Limited and Unique Colours.
The University hopes to make such clean-ups a regular event in the future as part of the University’s community and corporate social responsibility activity.
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