The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) recently engaged youths from communities in Nasinu through an outreach programme focused on environmental protection, sustainability, and climate awareness.
MECC officers delivered presentations on the work of their respective units, composting techniques, and the benefits of proper waste management. As part of the initiative, 26 composting bins were handed over to the Nasinu Town Council to support community outreach and encourage sustainable waste practices.
Officers also educated participants on Fiji’s international environmental commitments, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the protection of endangered species, the movement of cultural artefacts such as the tabua (whale’s tooth), and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. The Department of Environment’s role as a regulatory authority, including its efforts to address illegal development, was also highlighted.
MECC emphasised that the programme is intended to empower young people to take an active role in environmental stewardship while strengthening collective responsibility for a more sustainable future.