Joeli Veitayaki, a strategic advisor for Blue Prosperity Fiji, has highlighted the long-standing neglect of environmental issues. He emphasized that the insufficient action and awareness have resulted in significant environmental harm. Veitayaki urged everyone, including authorities and citizens, to take responsibility.
Speaking at a workshop organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society, he noted that many individuals have become complacent, assuming environmental problems are not urgent. “When we observe something amiss, we should report it to the authorities for resolution. Sometimes, we adopt a mindset that it’s not our concern, but it is indeed our problem,” he remarked.
He stressed the importance of taking an interest in safeguarding our environment, citing that our health depends on it. “If you visit a location, drink the water, and discover it’s unsafe, we must act to protect our environmental health.”
Veitayaki pointed out that delays in addressing these issues have led to severe repercussions, such as polluted rivers and growing waste on remote islands. He asserted that the time for complacency has passed, and immediate actions are necessary.