Volunteers from the World Mission Society Church of God recently gathered to clean the Suva foreshore, saying the work was part of a mission to “keep the world a clean place that God created.” Seven members of the team were visitors from South Korea who joined local volunteers in the effort.
Daniel Lockington said the clean-up is one link in a global campaign — now the 8,830th event worldwide and the church’s fifth in Fiji — run through its international movement, which outreach organisers say operates in about 175 countries and traces its origins to 1964. Lockington added the campaign aims not only to remove litter but to raise environmental awareness, particularly about threats faced by Pacific islands such as rising sea levels.
Organisers framed the activity as part of broader community stewardship: protecting coastlines, educating young people, and promoting civic responsibility. The group’s youth arm, ASEZ WAO, has been active in Fiji in recent years, and volunteers said their work extends to related community initiatives such as youth support and local health drives.
Context and significance
– The Suva foreshore clean-up joins a wave of similar events across Fiji — from corporate and church-led beach clean-ups to coordinated actions around World Environment Day and World Oceans Day — reflecting growing local momentum on marine litter and coastal protection.
– Small, regular clean-ups help reduce immediate pollution, raise public awareness, and can build community habits that reduce plastic leakage into the sea — an especially important aim for low-lying Pacific nations vulnerable to climate impacts.
Suggested additions for future coverage
– Report the number of volunteers, total rubbish collected and whether waste was sorted and weighed; those figures help quantify impact.
– Note any partnerships with local authorities (Suva City Council, Environment Ministry) or follow-up plans such as education sessions, youth programs, or recycling initiatives.
– Include comments from local residents or council representatives to show broader community response.
– If available, add photos showing volunteers at work and the types of litter collected to strengthen reader connection.
Hopeful note
Community-led clean-ups like this not only tidy public spaces but also build local ownership of environmental problems. When repeated and paired with education and better waste systems, they contribute to longer-term shifts in behaviour that help protect Fiji’s coasts for future generations.
Leave a comment