Consultation Engages Local Community and Stakeholders in Shaping Taveuni’s Waste Management Plan – Project earmarked for implementation in March 2025
Close to 70 participants representing government, tourism industry, development partners, the private sector, and the local community gathered today in Taveuni to provide their feedback and endorse key components of Pacific Recycling Foundation’s comprehensive plan to address the island’s waste management challenges.
The Strategy Implementation Consultation, held at Somosomo Village Hall and officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, marked a critical step in the island’s journey towards sustainable waste management.
The Founder of Pacific Recycling Foundation, Amitesh Deo described the consultation as a pivotal moment, emphasising its importance in engaging the local community.
“This consultation allowed the local community and various stakeholders to share their insights on projects that will directly impact their lives, ensuring they are genuinely part of the decision-making process. The input and support of various stakeholders will be critical for the successful implementation and execution of our initiatives,” said Deo.
The consultation focused on three key components announced earlier this year by PRF, with stakeholders offering valuable insights to further refine Taveuni’s waste management strategy.
The first component is a School Recycling Program to be implemented at Holy Cross College and Holy Cross Primary School. This initiative aims to educate students on best recycling practices, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility from an early age.
The second component is a Hotel and Resort Recycling Initiative, where a central collection point will be established for hotels and resorts to effectively manage their recyclables. This ensures that the tourism sector actively contributes to the island’s waste reduction efforts.
Lastly, the formation of a Cooperative, composed of women and other community members, will lead the collection of recyclables on the island. This initiative not only enhances recycling efforts but also creates economic opportunities for vulnerable communities, empowering them to play a pivotal role in Taveuni’s sustainable future.
During the consultation, project leads and subcommittee members presented their progress on these components.
Deo also expressed gratitude to key partners, Tourism Fiji and the Taveuni Tourism Association, for their critical role in supporting the consultation.
“The commitment from Tourism Fiji and the Taveuni Tourism Association as well as the community in Taveuni has been instrumental in bringing this consultation to life,” said Deo.
The session ended with a feedback round, ensuring that the collective vision for Taveuni remains aligned with the community’s needs.
With government endorsement and active stakeholder participation, the project is earmarked for implementation in March 2025. In the meantime, PRF will begin contractual work with development partner GIZ and collaborate with the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to establish a central collection point for the storage of recyclables in Taveuni.
