Dr. Sivendra Michael, the permanent secretary of the Environment Ministry, emphasized the necessity for a change in public behavior regarding plastic usage. He suggested that one effective approach to mitigate plastic pollution is to revisit and embrace traditional knowledge and practices.
Dr. Michael stated that altering people’s perceptions about plastic use requires significant awareness and must come from within communities. “There needs to be a behavior shift, and that behavior shift can only happen if people are acquainted with the necessary knowledge on what the impact of plastic is to their day-to-day lives,” he remarked.
He further pointed out that many individuals who use plastics are unaware of the consequences, highlighting the importance of discussing these issues at the household level to convey how improper disposal affects the marine economy and current lifestyles.
“Previously, plastic use was minimal, so we need to revive traditional knowledge and practices regarding the utilization of natural resources like wood and trees in our daily lives,” he added. He noted that society has created a dependence on plastic and stressed the importance of collective action to address this issue.
Additionally, Dr. Michael mentioned the three-day Fiji National Symposium on Plastic Pollution, which began yesterday at the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat. This event aims to gather relevant stakeholders to discuss and develop strategies for reducing the significant amount of plastic ending up at the Naboro Landfill.