Pacific Recycling Foundation Acknowledges Key Tourism Fiji Leaders for Advancing Grassroots Recycling Efforts

Pacific Recycling Foundation has hailed the leadership of Tourism Fiji, in particular outgoing Chief Executive Officer Mr. Brent Hill, former Chief Operations Officer Mr. Leigh Howard, and other senior staff, who have played a critical role in supporting grassroots recycling initiatives across Fiji and the region.

These leaders demonstrated a bold and action-driven commitment to sustainability, working closely with PRF to elevate recycling and proper waste management efforts. Their partnership enabled PRF to amplify its work, reach more communities, and develop meaningful programs that are now showing measurable impact.

PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo, said Tourism Fiji’s partnership with PRF went beyond collaboration.

It helped transform the perception of the waste management sector. At a time when many organisations refrained from associating with PRF solely because of its work with waste, Tourism Fiji embraced and elevated the cause.

Deo said this support brought dignity to the work of recycling and those attached to this space, validating the critical role grassroots recycling organisations play in addressing Fiji’s environmental challenges.

“The alignment between PRF, a grassroots recycling organisation, and the leadership of Tourism Fiji was natural and values-driven,” said Deo.

“Mr. Hill and Mr. Howard believed that environmental sustainability is not just a moral responsibility, but it is essential to the long-term sustainability of tourism in Fiji. They shared our vision that solving the waste management crisis through initiatives such as PRF’s comprehensive recycling programs and awareness campaigns is critical.”

These efforts empowered PRF to scale up its outreach and support in key tourism areas and beyond.

As the Tourism Fiji Board prepares to appoint new senior leadership, PRF urges the continuation of this strong and meaningful partnership. There is now an urgent need to maintain and build upon the momentum achieved over recent years.

“The progress we have made is not accidental, it was the result of shared values, effective collaboration, and visionary leadership,” Deo stated.

“We call for the appointment of leaders who understand the value of continuity in sustainability work, and who carry the same passion, humility, and commitment demonstrated by Mr. Hill, Mr. Howard, and others who stood with PRF when it mattered most.”

PRF affirms that environmental sustainability is tourism sustainability. Deviating from this shared responsibility would risk undoing progress that has already delivered tangible benefits for communities, the environment, and the tourism industry.

PRF remains committed to working with Tourism Fiji and its incoming leadership to protect and strengthen what has been built together for a sustainable Fiji.