In a meaningful step toward reinforcing its dedication to environmental protection and sustainable development, the University of Fiji joined the global community in celebrating World Environment Day.
This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” echoes strongly with the University’s ongoing initiatives to address the rising environmental threat posed by plastic waste.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem says that as a university based in the Pacific, it understands how vulnerable island nations like Fiji are to environmental problems.
She stressed that plastic waste is growing on land and in the sea, harming ecosystems and putting plants and animals at risk.
She adds that as part of UniFiji’s Strategic Plan (2022–2026), the University is working to raise environmental awareness through education, partnerships, and policy support.
Professor Shameem encouraged everyone at the University to reflect on how they use plastic, in support of the theme for World Environment Day 2025.
She says that even though it’s hard to imagine life without plastic, we must try if we want the world to take plastic waste seriously.
She adds that if we don’t take action, large islands of plastic waste will keep floating in the ocean, trapping sea animals, polluting the water, and harming our food sources.
The Vice-Chancellor also shared that the University has set up the Ecological and Climate Crises Legal Institute (ECCLI), a new centre that combines science and law to support long-term environmental protection.
She says that ECCLI reflects their goal of creating a modern academic centre that prepares the next generation of Pacific leaders.
Professor Shameem says another important step is the university’s partnership with the Pacific Recycling Foundation, which helps collect recyclable materials from both the Saweni and Samabula campuses.
The partnership is a key move towards creating a cleaner and healthier place to study, while also promoting responsible habits among students and staff.
She says that the partnership with the Pacific Recycling Foundation helps support the economy and lower the University’s impact on the environment.
Professor Shameem says that although many companies promised to recycle plastic waste, there was little real evidence that recycling was happening enough.
She encouraged university staff and students to avoid buying water in plastic bottles unless they could be sure the bottles were actually being recycled.
She adds that around the world, more support is growing for the Global Plastic Pollution Treaty, which the United Nations is working on and is supported by over 200 countries.
She says the University of Fiji supports these international efforts and promises to match its local actions with global sustainability goals.
