Fiji has launched the second phase of the Sustainable Waste Actions in the Pacific Project, known as SWAP2, to improve waste management systems and reduce rubbish flowing into rivers and the ocean.
The project is supported by the Agence Française de Développement and implemented through the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.
Speaking at the launch in Suva, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael says waste management remains one of Fiji’s biggest environmental challenges, with growing pressure on urban areas, waterways and coastal communities.
He says recent waste audits found plastics made up nearly 80 percent of rubbish collected, showing major gaps in waste management before it reaches the ocean.
He says Fiji now needs to move beyond clean-up efforts and focus on stronger systems, better infrastructure and practical solutions to stop waste at its source.
Dr Michael says through this project, Fiji will improve waste monitoring, introduce rubbish traps in key waterways and strengthen the management of difficult waste such as used oil.
Director for Environment Programmes at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, Amena Yauvoli says marine litter remains one of the Pacific’s most urgent environmental concerns, threatening ecosystems, livelihoods and the ocean Pacific communities depend on.
