Fiji is enhancing international collaboration in its environmental initiatives by partnering with Turkey to tackle waste management challenges. During the recent Zero Waste Forum 2025, Fiji’s Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, engaged in discussions with Haluk Sahin Yasgi, Deputy Director General for Environmental Management from Turkey’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change. This meeting symbolizes a renewed commitment between the two nations, harking back to their original partnership formed through the Turkey–Pacific Islands Forum in 2008 and 2014, which aimed at promoting sustainable development and resilience among Pacific Small Island Developing States.
With waste management emerging as a critical issue in Fiji, both countries are looking to align their efforts and find sustainable solutions. Minister Nalumisa emphasized the potential for expanded bilateral and multilateral cooperation, stating that these discussions could open avenues for a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would support Fiji’s vision of achieving zero waste.
This collaboration aligns with Fiji’s ongoing initiatives to elevate waste management practices and enhance community resilience, especially following significant environmental challenges posed by disasters like cyclones and floods. The Fijian government has been proactive in enhancing its waste management systems through various projects and partnerships, including the PacWastePlus Programme, which focuses on dealing effectively with disaster waste.
In conjunction with these international efforts, local initiatives such as the “I Recycle” program and the development of new recycling facilities are being implemented to improve recycling rates and community involvement in waste management. The Fijian government is committed to transforming waste into economic opportunities by adopting sustainable business practices, showcasing that environmental stewardship can go hand in hand with economic growth.
As Fiji progresses towards achieving its national zero waste vision, the renewed partnership with Turkey marks a significant step in addressing the country’s environmental challenges while fostering international cooperation that can serve as a model for other nations. The hope is that these combined efforts will lead to cleaner, more resilient communities and an overall enhancement of Fiji’s environmental conditions. This positive direction reflects a growing acceptance of shared responsibility for sustainability, with a collective focus on fostering a cleaner environment for future generations.
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