The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in Fiji launched a significant clean-up campaign across various locations in Suva as part of the upcoming World Environment Day and World Oceans Day. This early morning initiative engaged officers and volunteers, including youth participants from the Pacific Ocean Litter Youth Project (POLYP), to tackle litter in five key sites along the Suva foreshore and the Nukubuco Sandbank.
Over 30 partners, such as Outrigger Fiji and Suva SUPers, joined this effort, emphasizing community collaboration in environmental protection. Notably, volunteers sorted the collected rubbish by hand, allowing them to witness the extent of plastic pollution currently affecting local waters. This year’s global themes for these special days focus on #EndingGlobalPlasticPollution for World Environment Day and #SustainingWhatSustainsUs for World Oceans Day.
The clean-up event is part of a broader initiative within Fiji, which includes previous successful campaigns led by POLYP and various community organizations. For instance, a recent coastal clean-up in Navua, organized by POLYP, succeeded in collecting over 300 kilograms of waste, showcasing an ongoing commitment to addressing litter and instilling a sense of environmental responsibility among Fijians.
This clean-up not only promotes awareness of marine conservation but also reflects Fiji’s growing dedication to combating pollution through community-driven action. As more groups and individuals step up to embrace their environmental responsibilities, there is a hopeful outlook for a cleaner future for Fiji’s pristine coastlines and natural beauty.
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