Waste management continues to pose a significant challenge for Fiji, as highlighted by Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka during the recent Pacific Recycling Foundation’s VAKA Forum in Nadi. Minister Gavoka emphasized that tourism plays a critical role in waste generation across various destinations, creating a pressing need for sustainable practices.
“Landfill capacity is limited, and communities face direct impacts,” Gavoka stated, underscoring the urgent need for action grounded in evidence, cooperation, and shared responsibility among all sectors. The tourism industry, he noted, connects Fiji to the global community, shaping visitor experiences and influencing their consumption behavior.
With an increasing emphasis on environmental performance, today’s global travelers assess destinations based on their sustainability practices, making waste management a key factor in ensuring credibility and trust. “Leadership from tourism carries national weight,” Gavoka remarked, as he called for a timely dialogue that aligns with national priorities, including Fiji’s Blue Ocean commitments.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between tourism operators and grassroots recycling organizations, which can lead to enhanced outcomes in waste management through improved practicality, accountability, and scale. The Minister urged stakeholders to embrace a shift towards recycling and recovery systems to alleviate pressure on landfills, protect the environment, and create social opportunities.
Highlighting the contributions of grassroots recyclers, Gavoka noted that their daily efforts inform practical and effective solutions to waste management issues. He advocated for circular waste models that promote accountability for the waste generated during tourist stays, asserting that traditional disposal methods are no longer adequate to meet the nation’s needs.
“Measurable actions matter, clear targets matter, and data matters,” Gavoka concluded, reinforcing the importance of taking actionable steps towards sustainable waste management practices in Fiji’s tourism sector. This proactive approach not only addresses current challenges but also paves the way for a more sustainable future for the islands and their communities.
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