The Pacific Recycling Foundation’s inaugural VAKA forum series is strategically positioned to collaborate with municipal councils, which play a crucial role in waste management and community behavior, according to Housing and Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa. Speaking at the forum’s launch in Lautoka, Nalumisa explained that VAKA, which stands for Voices, Alliances, Knowledge and Action, aims to unite people, share knowledge, and support coordinated efforts for recycling and waste reduction.
In his address, Nalumisa urged municipal councils to synchronize their waste management plans with local grassroots recycling organizations such as the Pacific Recycling Foundation. This alignment is essential for creating practical and measurable strategies that foster meaningful change in waste management, ultimately allowing councils to serve their communities more effectively.
He emphasized the importance of transitioning towards a more sustainable recycling and recovery system. Such a shift could significantly decrease long-term costs and extend the lifespan of landfills, while also generating economic, environmental, and community opportunities. “Our municipal councils are in a unique position to lead this change,” Nalumisa stated, “by adopting innovative approaches to recycling and guiding communities towards sustainable practices.”
Yumi Kimura, resident representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), highlighted the forum’s role in providing insights from grassroots recyclers and discussing actionable steps for enhancing recycling effectiveness. JICA promotes sustainable practices through its Clean Cities Initiative, which focuses on improving collaboration among governments, citizens, and businesses to foster cleaner urban environments.
Dhanjay Deo, campaigns and activities manager for the Pacific Recycling Foundation, noted that the challenges faced by grassroots recycling organizations over the past thirty years inspired the VAKA series. These challenges include lobbying for support, accessing resources, and advancing towards more sustainable waste management systems. He pointed out that the individuals working silently at dump sites and along streets represent the backbone of Fiji’s recycling movement, stressing the need for their perspectives to be included in policy and planning discussions.
The comments made during the forum resonate with ongoing efforts in Fiji to address waste management challenges. Previous initiatives, including the launch of the “I Recycle” program, have aimed to elevate community participation and improve waste practices through education and collaboration with local stakeholders. There is a promising trend of increased public awareness and participation in recycling activities, suggesting that community-driven initiatives could lead to significant improvements in waste management.
Overall, the VAKA forum series marks a hopeful chapter in Fiji’s commitment to sustainability. By fostering collaboration across community levels and enhancing local recycling practices, there is potential for fostering a cleaner, more sustainable future for the entire region.