FNU launches ‘I-Recycle Hub’ program at Natabua campus
The Fiji National University’s (FNU) second, I-Recycle Hub program, in partnership with Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited and Pacific Recycling Foundation, was launched at the university’s Natabua Campus today.
This followed the official launch of the first I-Recycle Hub at the Derrick Campus last month.
The project is a collaboration between FNU, WRFL, and the PRF that aims to promote recycling practices.
In her opening address, FNU Assistant Professor in Education at the College of Humanities and Education (CHE), Dr Ali shared that the FNU family was glad that Natabua Campus was one of the chosen campuses to pilot the I-Recycle Hub project.
“The Fiji National University has taken bold steps to advance sustainability and holds immense promise in our journey toward preserving our planet and ensuring a cleaner, greener world for generations to come,” said Dr Ali.
“The I-Recycle Hub Project is the first of its kind that FNU is venturing into and the first university in Fiji and the region to implement this initiative.”
She shared that FNU’s Student Environmental Ambassadors were the key drivers of sustainability.
Dr Ali also highlighted that through this project, FNU was meeting the requirements of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG – 4 Quality Education, SDG – 13 Climate Action, including SDG – 17 Partnerships for the Goals.
“The heart of this recycling project lies not only in the process itself but also in the power of education and awareness,” Dr Ali added.
She said the FNU was privileged to partner with organisations such as Waste Recyclers Fiji Pte Ltd and Pacific Recycling Foundation, which were sustainability-oriented and introduced innovative measures to protect FNU’s pristine environment.
“This calls for a change in mindset and behaviour in terms of managing our waste, be it at home or in the broader community spaces,” said Dr Ali.
“Our project will contribute to a healthier environment and inspire a sense of collective responsibility.
Pacific Recycling Foundation Co-Founder and Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd Director, Joseph Inoke Deo said the launch followed the successful implementation of the project at Nadi Sangam Primary School as well as Jasper Williams High School earlier this year.
“The FNU has become the first higher education institution in Fiji and the region to implement such a tailor-made recycling programme,” said Deo.
“The I Recycle Hub Programme comes with comprehensive training on the best practices of recycling, and various layers of data collection and evaluation through monitoring, it provides feedback and ways and areas of improvement as well as lessons learned.”
“Through this programme, the FNU will also be able to provide useful data for national and regional blueprints for waste management.”
“It is indeed a proud moment for the FNU fraternity as a change in behaviour and mindset toward international best practices of recycling will lead to increased recycling participation on this campus and ultimately reduce waste at the Vunato dumpsite, which means a reduction in greenhouse emissions.”
