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Pacific Recycling Foundation is calling on faith-based organisations across Fiji to actively open space for dialogue, advocacy, and leadership on recycling and proper waste management, recognising the powerful role religious institutions play in shaping values, behaviour, and community norms.
βFaith-based organisations hold a unique and powerful position in our society. They shape values, guide behaviour, and bring communities together. When recycling and responsible waste management are modelled in these spaces, they move beyond being technical solutions and become moral and community-led actions,β said Amitesh Deo, Founder, Pacific Recycling Foundation.
Across Fiji, religious gatherings bring people together in large numbers and play an essential role in strengthening social cohesion and shared values. As these gatherings continue to grow, they also present an important opportunity to model responsible waste management practices, particularly during communal meals, celebrations, and large events. These spaces can become strong examples of environmental stewardship in action. PRF believes this is an opportunity worth embracing.
Deo said care for the environment cannot remain a side conversation.
βWaste management is not just a social or environmental issue – it is a national development issue with real economic implications. If we do not address it holistically, it will continue to undermine our health systems, tourism sector, and climate resilience. Everyone has a role to play, including faith communities, sporting bodies, and organisers of large gatherings,β Deo added.
The launch of Phase 2 of the Circular Pacific Plastics (CPP) Project at St Pius X Parish, Raiwaqa, last week, marks a critical turning point and an important juncture for Fiji. By integrating PRFβs structured plastic recovery and recycling education into a faith-based setting, the Parish has demonstrated that religious spaces can become powerful platforms for environmental advocacy and behaviour change.
βThe launch of CPP Phase 2 at St Pius X Parish, Raiwaqa, is a turning point for Fiji. It shows that faith-based spaces can lead by example and become platforms for environmental advocacy, education, and long-term behaviour change. This is leadership in action,β said Deo.
PRF now invites other faith communities to reflect on how waste is managed during teachings, gatherings, celebrations, and large religious events and to explore practical ways to embed recycling and responsible waste practices into these spaces. Advocacy and education, when grounded in faith and community values, can drive long-term behaviour change.
PRF intends to engage faith-based organisations and convene a VAKA Forum with religious leaders and institutions to create space for open dialogue on how recycling, and environmental stewardship can be meaningfully integrated into religious teachings, community outreach, and everyday practice.
βWe are grateful to St Pius X Parish, the Missionary Society of St Columban, and the SEMA Group for leading the way. PRF looks forward to expanding this work with other faith-based organisations and creating space through a VAKA Forum to deepen dialogue, learning, and action,β Deo added.
Deo said while this call is for faith-based organisations, it extends beyond them. All large gatherings including sporting events, concerts and events, cultural celebrations, and community functions share responsibility for how waste is managed.
The CPP Phase 2 initiative in Raiwaqa demonstrates that progress is possible when values, leadership, and action align. PRF looks forward to working alongside faith leaders, communities, and partners to ensure recycling and proper waste management become a shared responsibility.