The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) in collaboration with its entrepreneurial arm Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd (WRFL) is set to revolutionise waste management in Fiji through a comprehensive strategic planning workshop, scheduled in March 2024, in Suva.
PRF’s Strategic Planning will lay the groundwork for a multi-faceted approach to reshaping the waste management landscape, focusing on recycling and social justice for those involved in waste-picking.
PRF will host a series of internal workshops leading up to this pivotal Strategic Planning. These sessions will pave the way for targeted pocket meetings commencing 8th January involving partners, development partners, government agencies, the private sector, and various stakeholders.
These interactions will culminate in the main Strategic Planning Workshop, where innovative strategies will be devised to drive impactful change in waste management practices.
The Founder of PRF and CEO of Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited, Mr. Amitesh Deo, expressed the significance of these preparatory sessions, stating, that the series of internal workshops and subsequent pocket meetings serve as crucial platforms for inclusive dialogue, collaboration, and partnerships.
Mr. Deo said PRF aims to harness diverse perspectives to create a robust strategic framework that addresses the practical strategies and actions of waste management in Fiji.
He announced that Ecological Economist, Dr. Padma Lal is the lead consultant for the development of PRF’s Strategic Plan.
Dr. Lal shared that the commitment to understanding local policy context, the role of the government, municipal councils, private sector, and communities, as well as integrating local knowledge and experiences into the Strategic Plan exemplifies PRF’s dedication to sustainable and contextually relevant practical solutions and actions. I am honoured to contribute to this transformative journey.
Mr. Deo said the PRF’s Strategic Planning Workshop will be aimed at working with stakeholders to collectively identify practical waste management strategies for advocacy and encouraging behavioural change toward waste management and the environment, and social justice for those involved in waste-picking.
Amongst the partnership-based strategies and actions to be considered will include creating a local recycling network for the collection and processing of recyclable wastes, improving facilities for those involved in waste picking at the dumpsites, and education to increase their dignity in Fiji.
Furthermore, PRF intends to share its practices and solutions from the workshop with neighbouring Pacific Island nations through strategic alliances and networking initiatives. Adopting such an approach to its strategic planning, PRF hopes to solidify its role as an ‘influencer’ of change in attitudes, behaviour, and actions towards sustainable waste management focusing on recycling and social justice for waste pickers.
Day One
Pocket Meeting with the Ministry of Education
The Pacific Recycling Foundation team led by the Founder Mr. Amitesh Deo held their first Strategic Planning pocket meeting with Ministry of Education Curriculum Advisors Mr. Biu Colati and Mr. Waisake Tuicakau.
The meeting took place at the PRF Office, Koronivia.
Draft Goal 1 of PRF’s 3-5 year (2025-2029) Strategic Plan: Attitudinal and Behavioural Changes for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Focusing on Recycling and Social Justice of Waste Collectors in Fiji was the topic of discussion.
Mr. Deo provided an overview of the Recycling on the Go (ROG) Ambassadors Program, ROG Strategic Plan, and Recycling Education in the school curriculum.
The PRF Founder also shared how it was important to advocate and promote, revisions to take school curriculum to include sustainable waste management and social justice for waste pickers topics.
Mr. Biu and Mr. Waisake shared the same sentiments as Mr. Deo saying that there was a great need for waste management and recycling to be taught in schools and implemented into the school curriculum.
Pocket Meeting with the Ministry of Finance
During the second half of Day One Strategic Planning Pocket Meetings, the PRF team held discussions with the Ministry of Finance Strategic Planning Team – Manager Resource Planning Unit, Ms. Poonam Singh, Principal Policy Planning Officer, Mr. Alipate Kete, Senior Policy Planning Officer, Ms. Ashmita, and Economic Planning Officer, Ms. Madhu.
PRF Founder, Mr. Amitesh Deo held discussions surrounding relevant PRF Strategic Planning Goals that were relevant to the Ministry:
- Draft Goal 1: Attitudinal and Behavioural Changes for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Focusing on Recycling and Social Justice of Waste Collectors in Fiji.
- Draft Goal 2: ‘Walking the Talk’ – Practical Actions for Increased Recycling for Sustainable Waste Management in Fiji.
- Draft Goal 3: Structured Support to Informal and Other Waste Collectors (pickers), Collection Pillars of Recycling for their Safety, Dignity, and Inclusivity in Fiji.
- Draft Goal 4: Strong Partnerships with WRFL, and Community, National and International Stakeholders for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Focusing on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors.
- Draft Goal 6: Replication of PRF’s Model of Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Focusing on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Pickers, across Pacific Island Forum Countries.
The Ministry of Finance Strategic Planning Team showed great interest and acknowledged PRF for the work it continues to carry out.
Pocket Meeting with the Ministry of Women
As Pocket Meetings for PRF’s 3–5-year Strategic Plan is currently underway, the PRF team led by Founder Mr. Amitesh Deo held discussions on Draft Goal 3: Structured Support to Informal and Other Waste Collectors (pickers), Collection Pillars of Recycling for their Safety, Dignity, and Inclusivity in Fiji with the Ministry of Women’s Senior Women’s Interest Officer for Gender and Climate Change Disaster Risk Reduction, Ms. Elenoa Besetimoala.
Mr. Deo touched on the structured support and capacity building for the waste-picking communities.
In response, Ms. Elenoa acknowledged PRF’s continuous work in supporting marginalised communities involved in waste-picking. She spoke on opportunities for PRF and the Ministry of Women to work together on recycling and waste management programs that would have social environmental, and economic impacts on our communities.
Day Two
Pocket Meeting with Asco Motors Fiji & Land Transport Authority of Fiji
The PRF team led by Founder, Mr. Amitesh Deo continued with Strategic Planning Pocket Meetings today.
Discussions were held with Asco Motors Fiji Financial Controller & Company Secretary Mr. Ajitesh Prasad and National Fixed Operations Manager Mr. Sanjeet Kumar and Land Transport Authority General Manager and Technical Operation, Ms. Makitalena Drova who joined in virtually.
With relevance to both organisations, Mr. Deo and his team touched on PRF’s Strategic Planning Draft Goal 4: Strong Partnerships with WRFL, and Community, National, and International Stakeholders for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Focusing on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors.
Draft Goal 1: Attitudinal and Behavioural Changes for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Focusing on Recycling and Social Justice of Waste Collectors in Fiji and Draft Goal 2: ‘Walking the Talk’ – Practical Actions for Increased Recycling for Sustainable Waste Management in Fiji was later discussed with Mr. Ajitesh and Mr. Sanjeet.
Mr. Ajitesh, Mr. Sanjeet, and Ms. Makitalena acknowledged the PRF team for the work they continue to do in the waste management space.
Day Three
Earlier today, the Pacific Recycling Foundation held Day Four of its Strategic Planning Pocket Meeting with the United States Agency for International Development, Clean Cities Blue Ocean team (USAID CCBO).
PRF’s team led by Founder, Mr. Amitesh Deo touched on all 6 Draft Goals of PRF’s 3–5-year Strategic Plan with USAID Asia-Pacific Regional Director, Mr. Renerio Acosta, Regional Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Manager Mr. Raul Caceres, Capacity Development and Governance Manager Ms. Evelyn Sagun, Solid Waste & Recycling Specialist Ms. Roceli Reyes and Program Specialist Jasmin Tutor, who joined in virtually and Fiji Program Coordinator, Mr. Shavneet Mani, who was present at PRF’s office in Koronivia.
The USAID team acknowledged the Draft Goals shared by the team, saying PRF and WRFL are well positioned and influential in Fiji in the waste management space and now have started the process of reaching neighbouring countries.
Mr. Acosta said they are committed to working with PRF and its entrepreneurial arm, WRFL in the waste management and recycling space.
Day Four
The week ended with Day Five of Pacific Recycling Foundation’s Strategic Planning Pocket Meetings and discussions were held with Tourism Fiji’s Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Leigh Howard and Sustainability Officer, Ms. Sunishma Singh.
Tourism Fiji remains a vital partner of the PRF and has been working closely with the Foundation in efforts to change mindsets and behaviour toward best practices of waste management, particularly in the tourism industry as well as to provide structured support to those involved in informal waste picking.
Discussions led by PRF Founder, Mr. Amitesh Deo was focused on Draft Goals 1 to 4 of PRF’s 3-5-year Strategic Plan:
Draft Goal 1: Attitudinal and Behavioural Changes for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Focusing on Recycling and Social Justice of Waste Collectors in Fiji.
Draft Goal 2: ‘Walking the Talk’ – Practical Actions for Increased Recycling for Sustainable Waste Management in Fiji.
Draft Goal 3: Structured Support to Informal and Other Waste Collectors (pickers), Collection Pillars of Recycling for their Safety, Dignity, and Inclusivity in Fiji.
Draft Goal 4: Strong Partnerships with WRFL, and Community, National, and International Stakeholders for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Focusing on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors.
Mr. Howard acknowledged the PRF for various recycling initiatives in the waste management space and efforts to provide structured support to Collection Pillars of Recycling.
He added there is a clear alignment in Tourism Fiji and PRF’s work in the area of environmental and tourism sustainability, which is critical for the tourism industry.
He added they look forward to working closely with PRF for the next 3-5 years.
Mr. Deo thanked Mr. Howard and Ms. Singh for their effective participation and efforts in this space and said they look forward to working closely with Tourism Fiji in the area of environmental and tourism sustainability.
Day Five
Earlier today, Pacific Recycling Foundation team, led by Founder Mr. Amitesh Deo, continued with the PRF’s Strategic Planning Pocket Meetings.
The team today hosted Ms. Seema Sharma, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government, focusing on all six Draft Goals outlined in PRF’s Strategic Plan:
Draft Goal 1: Initiating Attitudinal and Behavioral Changes for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, with a special emphasis on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors in Fiji.
Draft Goal 2: ‘Walking the Talk’ – Implementing Practical Actions to Foster Increased Recycling for Sustainable Waste Management in Fiji.
Draft Goal 3: Providing Structured Support to Informal and Other Waste Collectors (pickers), Establishing Collection Pillars of Recycling for their Safety, Dignity, and Inclusivity in Fiji.
Draft Goal 4: Cultivating Strong Partnerships with WRFL, and Community, National, and International Stakeholders for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, with a dedicated focus on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors.
Draft Goal 5: Ensuring Evidence-Based Good Governance at the Pacific Recycling Foundation.
Draft Goal 6: Replicating PRF’s Model of Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Concentrating on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Pickers, across Pacific Island Forum Countries.
Ms. Sharma expressed anticipation for a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Local Government and PRF in addressing the pressing issue of changing citizens’ mindsets and behaviours regarding waste management.
Highlighting their satisfaction with PRF’s holistic approach to tackling waste management issues, she commended the strategic outlook and expressed eagerness for PRF to conduct workshops and training programs aimed at reshaping people’s mindsets and behaviours.
Mr. Deo expressed appreciation for Ms. Sharma and the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating closely with PRF in addressing the ongoing waste management crisis in the country.
Day Six
Pocket Meeting with KOICA
The Pacific Recycling Foundation team led by Founder, Mr. Amitesh Deo continued with Day 6 of PRF’s Strategic Planning Pocket Meetings, and today, they held discussions with KOICA Deputy Country Director Mr. Wooyoung Kim, Program Manager, Mr. Ravneet Kumar, and Program Officer, Ms. Kristel Whippy.
The team touched on all 6 Draft Goals, its activities, and targets, which were:
Draft Goal 1: Initiating Attitudinal and Behavioral Changes for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, with a special emphasis on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors in Fiji.
Draft Goal 2: ‘Walking the Talk’ – Implementing Practical Actions to Foster Increased Recycling for Sustainable Waste Management in Fiji.
Draft Goal 3: Providing Structured Support to Informal and Other Waste Collectors (pickers), Establishing Collection Pillars of Recycling for their Safety, Dignity, and Inclusivity in Fiji.
Draft Goal 4: Cultivating Strong Partnerships with WRFL, and Community, National, and International Stakeholders for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, with a dedicated focus on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors.
Draft Goal 5: Ensuring Evidence-Based Good Governance at the Pacific Recycling Foundation.
Draft Goal 6: Replicating PRF’s Model of Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Concentrating on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Pickers, across Pacific Island Forum Countries.
Mr. Kim acknowledged the team, saying that PRF’s Strategic Plan looked great, and he also expressed anticipation of upcoming collaborations between KOICA and PR
Day Seven
Pocket Meeting with SPREP
Day Seven of Pacific Recycling Foundation’s Strategic Planning Pocket Meetings saw the PRF team holding virtual discussions with the Director of Waste Management and Pollution Control at the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Mr. Anthony Talouli.
The PRF team led by Mr. Amitesh Deo touched on all 6 of PRF’s Strategic Draft Goals, Activities and Targets which were:
Draft Goal 1: Initiating Attitudinal and Behavioral Changes for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, with a special emphasis on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors in Fiji.
Draft Goal 2: ‘Walking the Talk’ – Implementing Practical Actions to Foster Increased Recycling for Sustainable Waste Management in Fiji.
Draft Goal 3: Providing Structured Support to Informal and Other Waste Collectors (pickers), Establishing Collection Pillars of Recycling for their Safety, Dignity, and Inclusivity in Fiji.
Draft Goal 4: Cultivating Strong Partnerships with WRFL, and Community, National, and International Stakeholders for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, with a dedicated focus on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors.
Draft Goal 5: Ensuring Evidence-Based Good Governance at the Pacific Recycling Foundation.
Draft Goal 6: Replicating PRF’s Model of Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Concentrating on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Pickers, across Pacific Island Forum Countries.
Mr. Talouli said the PRF’s Strategic Plan aligns with the Green Pacific, where it covers many pillars. He said that PRF is a very progressive entity and a fast-moving foundation because it is learning from program implementations.
He acknowledged the work PRF continues to do, saying that he sees value in Draft Goal 6 regarding upscaling of PRF’s programs in the region and allying with organisations working in this space.
Day Eight
The Pacific Recycling Foundation team led by Founder Mr. Amitesh Deo held discussions with JICA Expert (Recycling Technology) Mr. Makoto Yamashita, JICA Expert (Recycling System) Mr. Takahiro Kamishita, JICA Expert (Waste Collection and Transportation) Mr. Koki Takano, JICA Fiji Office Assistant Resident Representative Mr. Makumo Iwatani San and JICA Fiji Program Officer, Ms. Nila Prasad on PRF’s Strategic Plan, which marked Day 7 of the teams Pocket Meeting discussions.
The PRF team touched on all 6 Draft Goals, activities, and targets:
Draft Goal 1: Initiating Attitudinal and Behavioral Changes for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, with a special emphasis on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors in Fiji.
Draft Goal 2: ‘Walking the Talk’ – Implementing Practical Actions to Foster Increased Recycling for Sustainable Waste Management in Fiji.
Draft Goal 3: Providing Structured Support to Informal and Other Waste Collectors (pickers), Establishing Collection Pillars of Recycling for their Safety, Dignity, and Inclusivity in Fiji.
Draft Goal 4: Cultivating Strong Partnerships with WRFL, and Community, National, and International Stakeholders for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, with a dedicated focus on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors.
Draft Goal 5: Ensuring Evidence-Based Good Governance at the Pacific Recycling Foundation.
Draft Goal 6: Replicating PRF’s Model of Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Concentrating on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Pickers, across Pacific Island Forum Countries.
The team from JICA commended PRF’s Strategic Plan, saying it is a very comprehensive document.
They also highlighted that there were many places where they could work together with PRF, and they expressed anticipation of upcoming colaborations.
Day Nine
The PRF Team led by Founder, Mr. Amitesh Deo continued with their Strategic Planning Pocket Meetings and discussions were held virtually with the Government of Fiji’s Climate Change Division’s Information and Knowledge Management Officer, Ms. Aswethal Kumar.
The team discussed all 6 of PRF’s Strategic Plan Draft Goals:
Draft Goal 1: Initiating Attitudinal and Behavioral Changes for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, with a special emphasis on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors in Fiji.
Draft Goal 2: ‘Walking the Talk’ – Implementing Practical Actions to Foster Increased Recycling for Sustainable Waste Management in Fiji.
Draft Goal 3: Providing Structured Support to Informal and Other Waste Collectors (pickers), Establishing Collection Pillars of Recycling for their Safety, Dignity, and Inclusivity in Fiji.
Draft Goal 4: Cultivating Strong Partnerships with WRFL, and Community, National, and International Stakeholders for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, with a dedicated focus on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors.
Draft Goal 5: Ensuring Evidence-Based Good Governance at the Pacific Recycling Foundation.
Draft Goal 6: Replicating PRF’s Model of Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Concentrating on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Pickers, across Pacific Island Forum Countries.
Ms. Kumar thanked the Pacific Recycling Foundation for putting the SP together, saying PRF’s Strategic Plan aligned with their 6 goals, policies, and SOPs.
Day Ten
The Pacific Recycling Foundation Founder, Mr. Amitesh Deo, and Project Manager, Mr. John Wilson had the pleasure of hosting the Department of Environment (DOE) Principal Environment Officer (Waste Pollution Control Unit- WPCU), Ms. Kritika Raj and Environment Officer (Waste Pollution Control Unit- WPCU), Mr. Mosese Sekikorolevu to Day 8 of PRF’s Strategic Planning Pocket Meetings.
The PRF team touched on all 6 Draft Goals which were:
Draft Goal 1: Initiating Attitudinal and Behavioral Changes for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, with a special emphasis on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors in Fiji.
Draft Goal 2: ‘Walking the Talk’ – Implementing Practical Actions to Foster Increased Recycling for Sustainable Waste Management in Fiji.
Draft Goal 3: Providing Structured Support to Informal and Other Waste Collectors (pickers), Establishing Collection Pillars of Recycling for their Safety, Dignity, and Inclusivity in Fiji.
Draft Goal 4: Cultivating Strong Partnerships with WRFL, and Community, National, and International Stakeholders for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, with a dedicated focus on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors.
Draft Goal 5: Ensuring Evidence-Based Good Governance at the Pacific Recycling Foundation.
Draft Goal 6: Replicating PRF’s Model of Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Concentrating on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Pickers, across Pacific Island Forum Countries.
Ms. Raj thanked PRF for putting the Strategic Plan together and for the work the Foundation has been doing in the waste management and recycling space.
She added that some strategies in PRF’s Strategic Plan also aligned with the DOE’s National Waste Strategy.
Day Eleven
The Pacific Recycling Foundation team led by Founder, Mr. Amitesh Deo held Pocket Meeting discussions with Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) Plus Program Environment and Climate Resilience Manager, Dr. Rupantri Raju.
Discussions surrounded PRF’s Strategic Plan, and the team touched on Draft Goals 1, 2, and 6, which were:
Draft Goal 1: Initiating Attitudinal and Behavioral Changes for Sustainable Solid Waste Management, with a special emphasis on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Collectors in Fiji.
Draft Goal 2: ‘Walking the Talk’ – Implementing Practical Actions to Foster Increased Recycling for Sustainable Waste Management in Fiji.
Draft Goal 6: Replicating PRF’s Model of Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Concentrating on Recycling and Social Justice for Waste Pickers, across Pacific Island Forum Countries.
Dr. Raju shared how PRF could potentially collaborate with PHAMA Plus to assist in training rural farming communities and businesses (exporters/processors/aggregators) in the Pacific region on the management of organic waste from agricultural sources, as well as solid waste from packhouses and processors.
She said this also included community-based awareness and training that targets change in behaviour towards waste management and attitude toward waste pickers/handlers.
