The Pacific Recycling Foundation launched its inaugural VAKA forum series in Lautoka, aiming to strengthen collaboration with municipal councils essential for effective waste management and community engagement. Housing and Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa highlighted that VAKA, which stands for Voices, Alliances, Knowledge, and Action, seeks to unite stakeholders, share valuable knowledge, and support coordinated recycling and waste reduction efforts.
During his address, Nalumisa emphasized the need for municipal councils to align their waste management strategies with local grassroots organizations, like the Pacific Recycling Foundation. This collaboration is vital for developing practical and measurable approaches to waste management, allowing councils to better serve their communities.
He stressed the importance of shifting towards sustainable recycling and recovery systems, which could lower long-term costs, prolong landfill use, and create various economic and environmental opportunities. “Our municipal councils are in a unique position to lead this change,” Nalumisa asserted, advocating for innovative recycling strategies and guiding communities toward sustainable practices.
Yumi Kimura, a representative from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), underscored the forum’s role in gathering insights from grassroots recyclers and discussing actionable steps to enhance recycling efficacy. Through its Clean Cities Initiative, JICA promotes sustainable practices by facilitating collaboration among governments, citizens, and businesses for cleaner urban environments.
Dhanjay Deo, campaigns and activities manager for the Pacific Recycling Foundation, shared that the inspiration for the VAKA series stemmed from the challenges faced by grassroots recycling organizations over the past thirty years. He pointed out the vital contributions of individuals working quietly in dump sites and along streets, who form the backbone of Fiji’s recycling initiative. Their inclusion in policy and planning conversations is crucial for advancing sustainable waste management.
The discussions during the forum align with Fiji’s ongoing efforts to tackle waste management issues. Past initiatives, such as the “I Recycle” program, aimed to enhance community participation and improve waste practices through education and local stakeholder collaboration. These movements have nurtured a growing public awareness and participation in recycling endeavors, suggesting community-driven approaches may yield significant advancements in waste management.
The VAKA forum series represents a promising step forward for Fiji’s commitment to sustainability. By encouraging collaboration across various community levels and improving local recycling practices, there is optimism for a cleaner, more sustainable future in the region.