Fiji is making strides in waste management by integrating faith-based organizations into its strategy. A new pilot recycling initiative is being introduced at a parish in Suva, spearheaded by the Pacific Recycling Foundation in collaboration with the Suva City Council and the Catholic Church. This project is designed to address the pressing issue of plastic waste by promoting community responsibility and encouraging behavioral change.
Archbishop Peter Loy Chong emphasized the moral necessity of recycling, highlighting that environmental neglect has tangible consequences for current and future generations. He articulated, “Caring for the environment, caring for our own lives, it’s something that, as the church teaches, is a moral imperative, something that we should do.”
Tevita Boseiwaqa, the Acting Chief Executive of Suva City Council, underscored the significant financial burden of waste management, revealing that the city spends over $3 million annually on waste collection and disposal, with costs sometimes soaring to $6 million when related factors are considered. He noted that maintaining a clean environment is crucial for ensuring a good quality of life.
Amitesh Deo, Chief Executive of the Pacific Recycling Foundation, added that faith-based organizations hold a unique position to reshape public perceptions, diminish stigma, and foster a sense of shared responsibility toward recycling. He remarked, “We should remove gimmicks around recycling. We should understand that recycling is, as the Archbishop said, a moral responsibility, but it’s also a human rights issue. Our environmental right is actually our human right, and it is then our responsibility to protect that.”
Further supporting these efforts is the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, a comprehensive seven-year regional initiative funded by the Australian Government, aimed at addressing environmental challenges across the region. Through community engagement and collaboration between various sectors, Fiji’s approach to waste management is not only a practical solution but also a call to collective responsibility towards the environment. This integration of community values and moral imperatives offers a hopeful outlook for a more sustainable future in Fiji.
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