PRF in close consultation with govt ministries to roll out series of targeted recycling programs

The Pacific Recycling Foundation is currently in close consultation with key government ministries as it continues to work with its partners, aiming to roll out a series of strategic and targeted recycling programs across diverse sectors and communities in Fiji.

In a statement, PRF says among the key initiatives is their newly confirmed partnership with the Australian, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands Plastics Pact and the University of New South Wales.

They say this strategic collaboration is poised to deliver data-driven, high-impact recycling interventions aimed at addressing Fiji’s escalating waste management challenges.

PRF says they also had a high-level meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, MSMEs, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government, Seema Sharma, and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael earlier this week at Civic Towers in Suva.

They say one of the notable highlights was the recognition of Kamikamica’s ongoing support for PRF’s work, including his instrumental role in facilitating PRF’s recent collaboration with the University of New South Wales - a partnership that will catalyse research-based, practical recycling solutions for Fiji and structured support for the Collection Pillars of Recycling.

They add that the meeting enabled them to share progress updates, align strategic priorities, and secure critical support from the Government for upcoming initiatives.

Kamikamica acknowledged the vital role PRF is playing in advancing proper waste management in Fiji and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting these initiatives.

He highlighted that such programs not only address pressing environmental concerns but also have the potential to generate substantial economic and social benefits.

Kamikamica says the government recognises that these efforts if well-supported by all stakeholders, can create meaningful opportunities for the Collection Pillars of Recycling.

He says formalising their role within the recycling value chain is a key step forward, something PRF has long advocated for.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government, Seema Sharma, and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael expressed strong support for PRF’s new collaboration with ANZPAC and UNSW, stating that their ministries are eager to work together on these initiatives, given that tackling the waste management crisis requires a united and strategic approach.

PRF Founder Amitesh Deo expressed appreciation for the government’s progressive outlook and willingness to collaborate with a grassroots recycling organisation like PRF to implement practical solutions to Fiji’s waste management challenges.

Deo says PRF also carry with them the lived experiences of vulnerable and marginalised communities, individuals who have devoted their lives to recycling, often without recognition or inclusion.

He says these new partnerships and the government’s engagement reassure them that their voices are finally being heard.