Joanna Caine, CEO of Eco Guardians of Fiji, has issued a heartfelt plea for urgent action regarding waste management from both the Government and the public. Her call to action comes after returning to Mosquito Island, a popular picnic destination near Suva, where her team discovered it once again littered with waste, including broken glass and other debris.
During a previous clean-up effort in acknowledgement of World Environment Day last year, Caine noted, “Since then, the rubbish has only gotten worse.” The recent clean-up, aided by 60 crew members from the HMNZS Canterbury and local volunteers, revealed a distressing amount of illegally dumped waste. This mounting issue has raised alarms about the safety of families and children who frequent the island.
Caine voiced her concerns with the Suva City Council regarding the persistent litter problem and questioned the effectiveness of waste collection efforts on the island. She emphasized that every visit reveals the same rubbish accumulating, with some even resorting to burning trash instead of disposing of it properly.
Caine implored the community to take personal responsibility for their waste, urging picnickers to ensure they take their rubbish with them. She expressed a desire for more robust collaboration with government entities to address these environmental issues effectively.
Echoing her sentiments, community leaders have previously highlighted a broader waste crisis in Fiji. Recent clean-up events at other locations, including My Suva Park, have underscored a growing recognition of the need for civic pride and environmental stewardship to combat littering. Efforts to raise awareness about responsible waste management have been influential, with numerous organizations mobilizing volunteers to address litter in various hotspots across the country.
Activity from the Royal New Zealand Navy in the recent clean-up serves as a testament to the power of community partnerships in creating cleaner environments. Caine remarked on their involvement as a model for collaborative efforts in achieving a sustainable Fiji.
In facing the ongoing litter issues, community initiatives and heightened public awareness offer hope for fostering a culture of responsibility and respect for the beautiful natural environment of Fiji. By working collectively, there is a real potential for improvement and for ensuring cleaner, safer spaces for future generations.
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