PRF and Six Senses Fiji Launch First Outer Island Recycling on the Go Ambassadors Programme
The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) and Six Senses Fiji have officially launched the first-ever outer island Recycling on the Go (ROG) Ambassadors Programme, marking a significant milestone in advancing sustainable and community-driven recycling systems within Fiji’s maritime communities.
The programme, made possible through the support and environmental leadership of Six Senses Fiji, aims to ensure that remote island communities are actively included in discussions and actions related to waste management, sustainability, and environmental protection.
Recent waste audits conducted in outer islands revealed that recyclable materials continue to enter these communities through packaged goods and supplies. However, limited recovery and transport systems often leave burning and dumping as the only disposal options, highlighting the urgent need for practical, long-term recycling solutions tailored to maritime communities.
As part of the initiative, Malolo District School and Ratu Lalabalavu Secondary School have now been formally integrated in PRF’s Recycling on the Go programme, which focuses on addressing waste management challenges while fostering positive recycling behaviours and environmental responsibility among young people.
The programme forms part of a holistic model that Six Senses Fiji is piloting in Solevu Village in response to growing community concerns around waste accumulation and disposal — challenges that are shared by many outer island communities across Fiji.
Six Senses Fiji Sustainability Director, Raquel Saavedra Dias, said the partnership highlights the importance of collaborative action in addressing complex environmental challenges.
“This programme is a fundamental part of a broader initiative to support our community, because meaningful change begins with education. By working closely with PRF and local schools, we are helping to drive the change that is needed.”
PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo, said the initiative represents an important milestone in ensuring that environmental advocacy and recycling solutions extend beyond urban centres.
“The launch of the first outer island Recycling on the Go Ambassadors Programme reinforces our ‘Look Beyond’ movement, which reminds us that proper waste management solutions should not be limited to towns and cities alone. Remote and maritime communities also deserve access to sustainable recycling systems and environmental support,” said Deo.
“We commend Six Senses Fiji for investing in grassroots environmental solutions that engage communities and young people in creating long-term behavioural change,” said Deo, adding that the partnership demonstrates how the private sector can help strengthen environmental advocacy, sustainability education, and practical recycling systems in remote communities.
Deo added that engaging students through school-based programmes is essential in building lasting behavioural change and environmental stewardship.
“When children become recycling ambassadors, they help build a culture of environmental responsibility that influences families and future generations.”
The initiative is expected to demonstrate how corporate partners, communities, schools, and grassroots recyclers can work together to strengthen sustainable waste management across Fiji and the wider Pacific. PRF hopes the initiative will inspire similar initiatives in other maritime and remote communities facing growing waste challenges.