The Pacific Recycling Foundation has welcomed the appointment of Lynda Tabuya as the incoming Minister for Environment and Climate Change, saying her leadership is an opportunity to strengthen people-centred approaches to waste management in Fiji.
PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo says they look forward to working closely with Tabuya to build on the progress already made in supporting grassroots recyclers and promoting sustainable waste systems.
Deo says while positive steps have been taken, there is still a lot more to do to address Fiji’s growing waste challenges.
He says the Foundation sees strong alignment between its work and the Ministry’s mandate, especially in recognising the role of informal recyclers and ensuring waste systems are inclusive and effective.
PRF acknowledges Tabuya’s appointment as the first woman Minister for the Ministry in recent years, noting that waste and climate change has strong gender and social equity dimensions.
The Foundation has acknowledges outgoing Minister Mosese Bulitavu for his engagement with community-based recycling efforts and also acknowledged Permanent Secretary Dr. Sivendra Michael for his continued support.
Deo says they hope to meet Tabuya soon to share the lived experiences of grassroots recyclers, including the Collection Pillars of Recycling, who often face discrimination despite their vital role in protecting the environment.
He says women and marginalised groups are disproportionately affected by poor waste systems and climate impacts yet are often left out of decisions that shape policy.
He says grassroots recyclers are not just stakeholders—they are practitioners who know what works.
PRF says they remain committed to working with the Ministry under Tabuya’s leadership to strengthen recycling systems, promote accountability, and deliver inclusive, people-first solutions for waste management and climate resilience in Fiji.
