Launch of community – based pilot recycling project at Kabutri Drive
This week, Fiji will see the commencement of an exciting journey of inculcating proper waste management practices in our communities, through the official launching of a first of its kind community-based pilot recycling project at Kabutri Drive in Koronivia, Nausori.
The project is an initiative of Pacific Recycling Foundation and Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited in partnership with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Department of Environment, Nausori Town Council and RC Manubhai.
The CEO of WRFL and PRF’s Founder, Mr. Amitesh Deo said the project aims to change people’s mindset and behaviour towards waste management and recycling, and also collect key information regarding the capturing of recyclables and community participation.
PRF will install a special designed ‘I Recycle’ bin in the community.
Mr. Deo said since the launch of the “I Recycle” campaign during the Global Recycling Day in March 2021, there has been a lot of requests for engagement in residential communities.
“The residents of Kabutri Drive have shown willingness in this community-based recycling set-up approach. A sense of ownership and active participation will be critical for potential roll-outs in other communities,” said Mr. Deo.
He said a lot of work has been carried out in the past few months to develop this project, and they have also conducted consultations with community members and partners.
The project will be co-led by more than 10 recycling advocates, who are residents of Kabutri Drive and have undergone training sessions.
The Climate Change Mitigation Coordinator for IUCN Oceania, Mr. Paula Katirewa said through their Plastic Waste Free Islands Project (PWFI) in consultation with Fijian stakeholders has identified several areas that needs demonstration of effective, quantifiable solutions to addressing plastic generation and leakage from small island developing states (SIDS).
“This includes the development and expansion of appropriate waste management infrastructure in informal sectors and rural and remote areas where almost half of Fiji’s population reside. Expansion of collection services to rural and remote areas should be done more frequently for the prevention of plastics leaking into the environment, especially through our rivers and waterways,” said Mr. Katirewa.
He said the support through the Norwegian government-funded PWFI project for this pilot community project not only aims to strengthen the participation of local communities but also private bodies responsible for infrastructure operation of waste management facilities.
Meanwhile, Recycling Advocate, Keshni Kiran has thanked PRF and WRFL for empowering the community members.
“We are grateful that our community will have ‘I Recycle bin’. This will not only benefit community members but the environment as a whole,” said Kiran.
Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy will officiate at the launching on Friday 4th November, 2022.