The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) is taking a significant step forward in addressing the ongoing waste management crisis in Fiji and the greater Pacific region. In collaboration with the Australian, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands Plastics Pact (ANZPAC) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), PRF has announced plans for a collaborative initiative that will unfold from 2025 to 2027.
During a recent event in Nadi, PRF founder and CEO Amitesh Deo expressed that this partnership signifies a monumental moment for grassroots recycling efforts in the Pacific. He emphasized the urgency for action, highlighting that rising waste levels pose a serious threat to communities. This collaboration aims to place grassroots recyclers at the forefront of an initiative poised to transform waste management practices in the region.
The partnership will focus on expanding collection and recovery programs across diverse sectors, including supermarkets, parks, religious institutions, government ministries, and the tourism sector. A pilot kerbside collection program for households is slated to enhance waste recovery at the community level, while upcycling projects tailored to the region’s specific waste challenges will also be introduced.
Professor Vinayak Dixit from UNSW articulated the university’s excitement to contribute its entrepreneurial capabilities to foster innovation within the Pacific recycling ecosystem. ANZPAC’s senior manager Angela Mayer echoed this sentiment, stating that they aim to involve the broader industry in discussions to make workshop outcomes a reality.
PRF’s commitments also include developing a robust communications strategy to raise awareness and ensure active participation in recycling initiatives throughout Fiji. This proactive approach signals a hopeful shift towards sustainable waste management, benefiting not only local communities but also the environment.
Reflecting on similar efforts, last year PRF reported diverting nearly five million kilograms of recyclables from landfills, highlighting the impact of collaborative engagement in fostering a sustainable recycling culture in underserved communities.
Looking ahead, this new partnership offers a hopeful vision for a cleaner and more sustainable future for Fiji and the Pacific, demonstrating that collective action and innovation can lead to meaningful environmental change.
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