Historic VAKA Forum Brings Grassroots Recycling Voices Directly to Fiji’s National Leaders
A historic national dialogue on waste management and recycling took place today at the Suva Civic Centre, where Members of Parliament and senior government officials convened with grassroots recyclers during the VAKA Forum with Members of Parliament and Permanent Secretaries, organised by Pacific Recycling Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
The forum was officially opened by the Prime Minister, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, who attended alongside the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Filimoni Jitoko, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Inia Seruiratu, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Permanent Secretaries, and senior government officials.
The VAKA Forum marks a significant moment for Fiji’s recycling sector, as it is the first time that a large number of Members of Parliament have gathered outside Parliament at the request of a grassroots recycling organisation to hear directly from grassroots recyclers.
Founder of Pacific Recycling Foundation, Amitesh Deo, said the forum represents an important step towards recognising the contribution of grassroots recyclers.
“For more than three decades, grassroots recyclers have been protecting Fiji’s environment by diverting recyclables from dumpsites and public spaces. Yet their voices have rarely been part of national conversations about waste management. Today’s forum is about recognising their contribution and ensuring their experiences help shape the future of recycling in Fiji.”
The forum was convened to facilitate dialogue between grassroots recyclers and national leaders on the future of waste management in Fiji, particularly as the country continues to face growing waste volumes, limited recycling infrastructure, and increasing environmental pressures.
Discussions during the forum are structured around four key components:
• Voices, journeys and lived experiences of grassroots recyclers
• Grassroots holistic solutions developed from years of on-the-ground experience
• Potential risks to grassroots solution-model
• A plea to leaders to ensure grassroots recyclers are included in shaping Fiji’s waste management future
Participants were also briefed on emerging waste management issues, including recycling systems, landfill dependency, and the importance of ensuring that national policies support both environmental sustainability and the livelihoods of informal recyclers.
Fiji currently has only one landfill, Naboro Landfill, with the rest of the country relying on dumpsites.
Deo noted that sustainable waste management must prioritise recovery and recycling systems rather than continued reliance on landfill disposal.
“If we are serious about sustainability, we must recognise that only waste which cannot be recycled or recovered should ever reach a landfill. Everything else has value if we build the systems that allow it to be recovered.”
PRF also emphasised that waste management reforms must carefully consider the livelihoods of Collection Pillars of Recycling who depend on recycling for their income.
“The transition to more advanced waste management solutions must not come at the expense of the very people who have been protecting our environment for decades. Recycling must remain the priority, and any new solutions must strengthen recycling systems while protecting livelihoods.”
The forum also provided an opportunity for parliamentary leaders to receive updates on key regulatory developments, including the Container Deposit Regulation and the revision of the Litter Act 1998, presented by the Permanent Secretary for the Fiji Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Sivendra Michael.
Deo said the VAKA Forum demonstrates how inclusive dialogue can strengthen national solutions.
“Waste management is not just about infrastructure and policies. It is also about people. When grassroots voices are included in decision-making, we build systems that are not only environmentally sustainable but socially just.”
PRF expressed appreciation to the Parliament of Fiji, particularly the Hon. Speaker and the Secretary-General to Parliament, for enabling Members of Parliament to participate in the forum.
PRF also acknowledged the support of the Fiji Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Suva City Council, and additional partners including the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Pacific Energy, Tourism Fiji, ANZPAC, R.C. Manubhai & Co. Ltd., Formscaff, Vivid Media and Pure Fiji.
The VAKA Forum forms part of PRF’s ongoing efforts to advocate for a rights-based, inclusive and sustainable recycling system in Fiji that recognises the vital role of grassroots recyclers in protecting the country’s environment.
