Despite heavy rain in Nadi this morning, the spirit of collaboration and commitment to sustainability shone brightly at the Inaugural VAKA Forum with the Tourism Sector, officially opened by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliam Gavoka at the Tanoa International Hotel.
The event, convened by the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF), marks a significant milestone in Fiji’s environmental journey. It brings together tourism operators, grassroots recyclers, academia, civil society, and government representatives under the VAKA Platform, which stands for Voices, Alliances, Knowledge, and Action—a framework designed to foster dialogue, cooperation, and measurable outcomes in waste management.
DPM Gavoka emphasised that waste management is one of Fiji’s most pressing development challenges, particularly in tourism destinations where landfill capacity is limited and communities face direct impacts.
“Forums such as this strengthen national efforts through practical engagement and sector leadership,” he said.
“Tourism connects Fiji to the global community, and visitors increasingly assess destinations through environmental performance. Leadership from tourism carries national weight.”
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the importance of aligning tourism operators with grassroots recycling initiatives, stressing that measurable actions, clear targets, and data-driven decisions are essential for success.
Over the next two days, participants will work toward the Tanoa Agreement, a sector-wide commitment to sustainable waste management practices. This agreement will complement existing tourism sustainability efforts and set a benchmark for circular waste systems that reduce landfill pressure, protect the environment, and create social opportunities.
DPM Gavoka reiterated the government’s role in providing policy direction and ensuring alignment with national priorities, while calling on industry, communities, recyclers, and academia to collaborate for shared accountability.
The Deputy Prime Minister concluded with a powerful call-to-action:
“Let us make the Tanoa Agreement not just a document, but a living commitment. Let us lead by example—because the world is watching, and the next generation is counting on us.”