The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) is taking significant steps to address Fiji’s pressing waste management issues by collaborating with Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited. As part of their preparations for the Vaka Forum Series, set to launch later this year, both organizations are focusing on uniting their internal teams around a common vision aimed at tackling the waste crisis.
Amitesh Deo, founder of PRF, emphasizes that this step-by-step alignment process has been vital in ensuring that all members of these organizations understand both the scope of the waste management challenges and their specific roles in overcoming them. This unified approach is critical before engaging with external partners and stakeholders in the upcoming Vaka Forum Series.
The acronym VAKA stands for Voices, Alliances, Knowledge, and Action, which encapsulates the mission of PRF to incorporate diverse perspectives, form strategic partnerships, share vital insights, and encourage collective efforts in addressing waste management. Deo envisions the forums as platforms that will stimulate inclusive dialogue and co-create solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by Fiji.
Two forums have already been scheduled for November and December 2025, focusing on tourism stakeholders and municipal councils, while an additional forum planned for the early part of next year will involve members of the Parliament and key government officials. Furthermore, discussions are in progress to conduct additional forums with international partners, ambassadors, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and religious groups.
The collaborative ethos represented by this initiative mirrors the ongoing efforts by PRF that have gained momentum in recent years. Similar efforts have centered around community engagement and educational campaigns aimed at instilling sustainable practices, such as the introduction of Collection Pillars of Recycling in underserved areas, which have provided opportunities for empowerment and economic growth within local communities.
As Fiji embarks on this journey toward sustainable waste management, the hope remains strong that these collaborative discussions will not only raise awareness but also drive actionable solutions. The potential for the Vaka Forum Series to transform Fiji’s waste management landscape reinforces the belief that through shared knowledge and collaboration, there is a pathway to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the region. With every stakeholder having a role to play, the future looks promising for effective solutions to environmental challenges.