Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the nation’s waste management challenges. Speaking at the inaugural Pacific Recycling Foundation’s VAKA Forum in Nadi, he highlighted the need for various stakeholders to collaborate in order to find effective solutions to the waste crisis affecting the Pacific region.
Gavoka acknowledged that while fostering environmental awareness should be simple, it often proves challenging, particularly in encouraging the local population to prioritize environmental care. He pointed out that Fiji’s tourism sector, a pivotal component of the nation’s economy, bears the dual responsibility of promoting cultural values and maintaining community well-being. However, this rapidly growing industry also intensifies the pressure on existing waste management infrastructure.
He remarked, “It is tourism that must ensure that our beautiful islands remain pristine, resilient, and sustainable for generations to come,” underscoring the vital link between a thriving tourism industry and the preservation of Fiji’s natural beauty.
Additionally, Gavoka stressed that the waste management issue extends beyond environmental concerns, touching on social, economic, and cultural aspects essential to the nation’s overall health and prosperity. He noted the collaborative efforts between the Hotel and Tourism Association and the Ministry of Tourism in implementing the National Sustainable Tourism Framework, which aims to leverage shared expertise and resources for meaningful systemic change.
Amitesh Deo, founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation, supported Gavoka’s statements by pointing out the tourism industry’s substantial contribution to waste generation, including recyclables and other waste types like food and textiles. He highlighted a global consensus regarding the impact of tourism on waste management, urging stakeholders to consider the high number of annual visitors in relation to Fiji’s population size for a clearer perspective on the issue.
Deo also addressed the concerns of tourists, who increasingly seek reassurance that their activities do not exacerbate Fiji’s waste management crisis. He noted that visitors are keen to know that their waste, such as bottled water and food-related packaging, is disposed of responsibly, indicating a growing awareness and demand for sustainable practices in the tourism sector.
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