PRF Welcomes Hon. Lynda Tabuya as New Minister for Environment and Climate Change
Pacific Recycling Foundation has welcomed the appointment of Hon. Lynda Tabuya as the new Minister for Environment and Climate Change and looks forward to working closely with her to further strengthen collaboration between grassroots recyclers and government in advancing sustainable waste management and environmental protection in Fiji.
PRF also warmly acknowledges Hon. Tabuya’s appointment as the first woman Minister for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in recent times, noting the significance of her leadership at a time when waste management and climate change are increasingly recognised globally as issues with strong gender and social equity dimensions.
PRF acknowledges the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as a key partner and notes the positive work that has been achieved together to date, particularly in elevating conversations around recycling, inclusion of informal recyclers, and the need for people-centered, holistic, and environmentally sound waste management systems. PRF is keen to maintain and build on this momentum under Hon. Tabuya’s leadership.
“We welcome Hon. Lynda Tabuya to the Ministry and look forward to engaging with her as the new Minister for Environment and Climate Change,” said PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo.
“There is strong alignment between the work of PRF and the mandate of MECC, and we see an important opportunity to continue and deepen our partnership to deliver real, on-the-ground impact for our environment and our people.”
PRF also extends its sincere appreciation to the outgoing Minister, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, for his leadership and willingness to engage with grassroots recycling practitioners during his tenure. The Foundation further acknowledges the effective working relationship with the Permanent Secretary for MECC, Dr. Sivendra Michael, whose openness and collaboration have contributed positively to joint efforts to address waste management challenges.
“While there has been progress, there is still a significant amount of work that needs to happen,” Deo said.
“Fiji’s waste challenges are deeply linked to behaviour, systems, livelihoods, and environmental outcomes. Recycling and sustainable waste management must remain central to our national approach.”
Deo said PRF looks forward to meeting with Hon. Tabuya to formally welcome her to the Ministry and to provide an update on the work and lived experiences of grassroots recyclers, including the Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR) who operate daily within Fiji’s waste management landscape.
“Our journey is one of lived experience,” Deo added.
“Waste management and the waste crisis have a strong gender lens. Globally and locally, women and other marginalised groups are often the most impacted by poor waste systems and climate change, yet they are frequently excluded from decision-making. Grassroots recyclers, particularly CPR, face discrimination and systemic barriers despite playing a critical role in environmental protection.”
Deo said Hon. Tabuya’s appointment presents an important opportunity to strengthen inclusive and rights-based approaches to waste management.
“Grassroots recyclers are not just stakeholders; they are practitioners who understand what works and what does not. By tapping into this knowledge and experience, and by addressing discrimination within waste systems, we can drive meaningful changes in mindset and behaviour towards best practices that protect the environment, safeguard livelihoods, and put people before profit.”
PRF reaffirms its commitment to working closely with MECC under Hon. Tabuya’s leadership to strengthen recycling systems, advocate accountability, and deliver sustainable, inclusive solutions that are directly linked to environmental protection and climate resilience in Fiji.