Fiji is intensifying its initiatives to tackle plastic pollution, both at home and on the global stage. As a participant in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) focused on Plastic Pollution, Fiji is championing the creation of a legally binding treaty that addresses the entire life cycle of plastics.

Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the urgent need to address marine litter, referring to significant environmental challenges such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the transboundary waste affecting Fiji’s waters. He highlighted that much of the plastic debris found along Fiji’s coastlines originates from outside the nation, with spills from ships exacerbating the problem.

During the negotiations, Dr. Michael expressed concern over low-ambition countries and lobbyists from the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries, who he claimed outnumber the representatives of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and impede meaningful progress.

On the domestic front, Fiji is taking substantial steps to enhance its waste management systems. The country is improving the Naboro landfill with methane capture technology, developing a new landfill in the west that will incorporate recycling facilities, and rehabilitating existing dumping sites. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding with the Nasinu Town Council has led to the implementation of a trash boom initiative aimed at cleaning polluted rivers.

Dr. Michael affirmed Fiji’s commitment to green initiatives, increasing public awareness, and refining waste management practices in a bid to protect the environment.

This proactive stance from Fiji not only aims to mitigate plastic pollution but also sets a positive example for other nations, showcasing the importance of collective action in addressing global environmental challenges.

In summary, Fiji is taking significant strides in combatting plastic pollution by advocating for global treaties and advancing domestic waste management strategies, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and a collaborative effort to protect marine health.