PRF Amplifies Grassroots Voices from Pacific at UNEP Forum on Mitigating Plastic Pollution in Thailand
Pacific Recycling Foundation has made a resounding statement at the Forum on Mitigating Plastic Pollution from Runoff, organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Bangkok, Thailand, emphasising the urgent need to amplify the voices of grassroots organisations and marginalised communities in the fight against plastic pollution.
In his presentation, PRF Founder Amitesh Deo highlighted the critical role played by small grassroots organisations in tackling plastic waste and fostering sustainable waste management practices, emphasising that these groups often bring local insights and community-driven solutions that are invaluable to broader environmental goals.
He also spoke about the informal collectors of recyclables in Fiji, known as the Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR), noting that these individuals are essential to the recycling ecosystem yet are frequently overlooked in mainstream discussions on waste management.
“Today, I stand here not just as an advocate but as a representative of those who have been silenced for far too long,” Deo stated.
Deo said PRF has been at the forefront of recycling efforts for over 30 years through Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited, tirelessly working to prevent recyclables from ending up in the landfill and advocating sustainable practices within communities.
He said despite these efforts, the path to mainstream recycling has been fraught with challenges, including a lack of political will and inadequate support from development partners.
Deo emphasised that the formation of PRF in 2022 was a direct response to these challenges.
“We are a rights-based organisation committed to bringing the recycling and waste management crisis to the forefront of discussions in Fiji and the Pacific. Our mission is to elevate the voices of the CPR communities and ensure they are not merely tokens in decision-making processes.”
Deo said the urgency of their message cannot be overstated.
“For too long, the voices of grassroots organisations have been dismissed. We call on governments, development partners, and industry leaders to not just hear us but to listen actively to what we have to say. The future of our environment hinges on these conversations,” said Deo.
Deo outlined several key transformative initiatives that demonstrate PRF’s commitment to grassroots engagement, such as the ‘I Recycle’ program and the ‘Recycling on the Go’ program, both of which have been instrumental in fostering community involvement and advocating for behavioural change in waste management.
“These initiatives are not merely recycling programs; they are movements designed to empower communities to take ownership of their waste,” he explained.
The PRF Founder also spoke about the Pacific Recyclers Alliance, which PRF serves as the secretariat, uniting grassroots organisations from six Pacific Island nations, advocating collaborative solutions to waste management and policies that reflect the realities on the ground.
He said this alliance stands as a testament to the collective power of grassroots voices and the imperative for recognition in policy discussions.
Deo concluded with a reminder that ‘recycling should be left to the recyclers.
“Nothing will ever be sustained unless the people and organisations working at the grassroots level are included, not as tokens but as equal implementing partners.”
Deo expressed sincere gratitude to UNEP for providing PRF with a platform through the forum to amplify the voices of the Pacific, particularly those of grassroots organisations and CPR.
