The Pacific Recycling Foundation has officially launched Phase Two of the Circular Pacific Plastics Project, a significant initiative that introduces a structured recycling program within a faith-based context in Fiji for the first time. The launch event was held at Saint Pius X Parish in Raiwaqa and was presided over by Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, the Head of the Catholic Church in Fiji.
Amitesh Deo, the Founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation, emphasized the importance of churches and faith leaders in driving community change. “For the first time, we are taking a comprehensive recycling program directly into a religious space, recognizing the powerful role that faith leaders and faith-based communities play in shaping mindset, behavior, and collective responsibility,” he stated. He further highlighted that Fiji’s rich faith culture presents an excellent opportunity for education and long-lasting behavioral change regarding recycling and plastic waste management.
The Circular Pacific Plastics Project was launched as part of a broader effort by the Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands Plastics Pact to combat plastic pollution and enhance recycling systems within the Pacific region. Following the successful Phase One implementation at Extra Supermarket in Lautoka in 2024, the project is now expanding under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, a seven-year initiative funded by the Australian Government and managed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program.
Phase Two of the project will not only maintain soft-plastic collection efforts at Extra Supermarket but will also extend to several new sites including Saint Pius X Parish, Nakaikogo Mother’s Club in Koronivia, and Queen Victoria School. Karl Shanley, Head of Stewardship at ANZPAC/APCO, expressed support for the project, stating that it aligns with overarching circular economy goals and that robust partnerships with organizations such as Pacific Recycling Foundation and SPREP are crucial for sustainable learning and long-term success.
The Pacific Recycling Foundation plays a pivotal role as the implementation partner in Fiji, overseeing program delivery, community engagement, and the collection of plastic waste, all of which are essential to the project’s overall impact on improving recycling practices in the region. This initiative denotes a promising step toward fostering community responsibility and responsiveness to environmental challenges.
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