Recycle Organics (RO) is set to distribute 200 composting kits across four villages in Fiji’s Bua Province as part of an initiative aimed at reducing methane emissions throughout the Pacific region. The villages of Vuya, Nabouwalu, Wairiki, and Makolei will benefit from this program, which commenced this week, and includes community workshops to educate residents on composting.
Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the importance of this initiative in alleviating landfill pressures. He noted that composting not only aids in waste reduction but also supports agricultural practices and aligns with Fiji’s climate objectives.
The initiative, funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada, is designed to assist Small Island Developing States in reaching the Global Methane Pledge, which requires a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030. Beyond the distribution of composting kits, RO will collaborate with the Water Authority of Fiji to strengthen their partnership established last June, focusing on the treatment of organic waste through co-digestion methods at the Kinoya Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Additionally, the RO team plans to evaluate organic waste segregation equipment implemented in Lautoka in 2024 and is developing an educational program with the University of Fiji aimed at promoting composting practices in secondary schools.
The Recycle Organics Programme operates across 25 countries and holds the potential to mitigate over 30 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. This emerging focus on community-led waste management solutions reflects a growing commitment in Fiji to sustainable practices and illustrates a hopeful pathway to a healthier environment.
These initiatives are essential not only for maintaining local biodiversity but also for fostering community engagement and educational opportunities that empower residents in their environmental stewardship pursuits.
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