DEPUTY PM HON. VILIAME GAVOKA'S ADDRESS AT THE PACIFIC RECYCLING FOUNDATION WORKSHOP

Founder of Pacific Recycling Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited, Mr. Amitesh Deo,
Strategic Plan Lead Consultant, Dr Padma Lal Government Stakeholders,
Our Private Sector Partners, Development Partners,
Community and NGO Representatives, Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to extend my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to address you today at the Pacific Recycling Foundation’s Stakeholder Workshop.
 
Our presence here signifies a shared commitment to addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: Waste Management.
 
Against the backdrop of our symbolic island home, Fiji, we are reminded of the profound responsibility we bear to safeguard our environment, nurture our economy, and enhance social well-being for generations to come.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Waste management is not merely a logistical challenge; it is a fundamental responsibility that intersects with our environment, economy, and social fabric.
 
Let’s consider the environment first. Our actions, if left unchecked, directly impact Fiji’s delicate ecosystem, our pristine beaches, the health of our communities and the bounty of our land.
 
We are already grappling as a Small Island Developing State with the environmental crisis, with pollution, and climate change. Unstainable waste management only exacerbated this.
 
Moving on to the economy, waste management represents both challenges and opportunities. Landfills for example are not infinite or inexpensive. If they were, every town and city would have its own. The only sanitary landfill in Fiji is the Naboro Landfill – serving Suva; Lami; Nasinu; Nausori; as well as Navua and Korovou. So, it’s very much beyond capacity.
 
If we transition to a circular economy, where resources are reused, recycled, or repurposed, we can create new economic opportunities, industries, and jobs – while managing waste properly.
 
Now, let’s consider the social impact of waste management. Waste management is not solely a technical issue but also a matter of social equity and justice.
 
For residents and businesses in municipalities, we have Councils collecting our waste. But what happens to rural communities.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The goal should be to reduce the amount of waste going to our landfills, rubbish dumps and essentially everywhere else – our land and water streams. But we know recycling is the next best practical option.
 
Recycling is not just about sorting materials; it’s about creating a circular economy. By recycling, we conserve resources, reduce energy consumption, and create jobs.
 
Recycling helps mitigate the problem of depletion of our natural resources. By reusing materials like paper, plastic, glass, and even metals, we reduce the strain on ecosystems and habitat destruction. The more you produce, the more you take away from future generations.
 
There are also clear economic advantages of recycling. It reduces demand for raw materials, lowering production costs. It also generates jobs across various sectors, from waste collection and sorting to manufacturing and distribution of recycled products.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
What recycling also does is promote community engagement and awareness. When the wider society actively participates in recycling programs, they become more conscious of their consumption habits and waste generation. It also fosters a sense of responsibility and stewardship which is absolutely critical.

The Fiji Government has prioritized waste management. Its commitment to sustainable practices sets an example for all of us. Notably, the Ministry of Tourism has embarked on an endeavour to establish the National Sustainable Tourism Framework.
 
This strategic initiative aligns seamlessly with the goals we aim to achieve during this stakeholder workshop. By integrating waste management practices into sustainable tourism, we can create a harmonious balance between environmental conservation and economic prosperity.
 
Through Tourism Fiji, we are once again partnering with Pacific Recycling Foundation on this year’s Global Recycling Day.
 
The Ministry of Education’s commitment to waste management education, ensures that future generations are equipped to address environmental challenges effectively.

The Recycling on the Go (ROG) Ambassadors program was successfully piloted in the Central Division at Jai Narayan                   College                   in       2022.
 
The ROG Ambassadors Program in schools is an initiative of the Pacific Recycling Foundation in partnership with Swire                                                                      Shipping.
 
The Ministry of Education has endorsed Pacific Recycling Foundation’s proposal to upscale the program last year(2023) whereby the West based schools, Jasper Williams High School and Nadi Sangam Primary School joined    the    ROG    Ambassadors    Program.
 
The ROG Ambassadors Program in schools is aimed at inculcating best practices of recycling aimed at impacting mindset   and   behavior   change   of   students.
 
It should also be noted that a significant number of recyclables from these three schools will no longer end up at the landfill or dumpsites but instead be taken for recycling.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The waste crisis demands immediate attention. It knows no boundaries, affecting urban centres and remote villages alike. We must collaborate across sectors—government, industry, civil society—to tackle this crisis head-on. Our collective commitment is essential for success.
 
Waste management is multifaceted. It requires partnerships that transcend organizational boundaries. Governments, private sector entities, NGOs, and community organizations, and the wider public must collaborate.
 
Innovation thrives in collaborative environments. By sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, we generate solutions that maximize impact.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This workshop is a testament of what partnership can achieve. The Pacific Recycling Foundation stands at the forefront of positive change. Its approach to waste management—innovative,    community-driven,    and

sustainable—is inspiring. Let us support their mission wholeheartedly.
 
Today’s workshop is not just a meeting; it is the foundation for transformative action. So please, engage, strategize, and lay the groundwork for a waste-free future.
 
“WALK THE TALK” AND “CONNECTING THE DOTS”
Our theme emphasizes action. Let us align our words with deeds. As we connect the dots—education, policy, technology, and community engagement—we weave a coherent strategy for effective waste management.
 
In conclusion, let us remember that our commitment today reverberates through time. Together, we can turn the tide, protect our paradise, and leave a legacy of responsible stewardship for Fiji and the Pacific.
 
Vinaka Vakalevu.