Over a thousand individuals gathered for the Pacific Recycling Foundation’s (PRF) roadside campaign along Kings Highway, celebrating both World Environment Day and World Oceans Day. The event marked the third consecutive year for the campaign, which aims to promote environmental protection and encourage responsible waste management practices.
Amitesh Deo, the founder of PRF, revealed that participants included students from 13 local schools, members of the public, corporate representatives, and government agencies. He voiced the necessity for inclusive advocacy platforms focused on recycling and waste management, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue about these issues.
“Environmental challenges affect everyone and should not be limited to select individuals or agencies. Everyone, including corporations, contributes to pollution,” Deo stated, highlighting the conflict between corporate interests and sustainability. He criticized the prevalent trend of prioritizing profit over ecological well-being, which poses significant barriers to achieving sustainability goals.
The campaign provided a space for participants to express their concerns and ideas about environmental issues through various mediums, reinforcing the idea that community engagement is essential for fostering a culture of accountability and environmental stewardship. This approach echoes prior initiatives by PRF, which has consistently advocated for greater grassroots involvement in environmental management.
As challenges related to waste management and environmental degradation continue, PRF’s campaign serves as a hopeful reminder of the power of community action and the collective responsibility to protect natural resources for future generations. Additionally, its ongoing efforts highlight the need for sustained activism beyond traditional settings like conferences, ensuring that collective voices are heard and acted upon.
The vision for a cleaner, more sustainable Fiji is becoming a communal effort, fostering hope for a future where individuals and organizations work hand in hand to address environmental challenges.
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