Issues affecting the environment have long been ignored, says Blue Prosperity Fiji strategic advisor Joeli Veitayaki.
Mr Veitayaki said the lack of action and awareness had led to severe environmental damage.
“Everyone, from relevant authorities and citizens should play their part,” he said.
While speaking at the workshop organised by Wildlife Conservation Society, he said many people had been complacent about environmental issues, believing they were not urgent.
“Whenever we see something wrong, we should report it to the authorities so it can be addressed. Sometimes we adopt an attitude of, well, it’s not really our problem, but it is our problem.
“If you go to that place, drink the water, and find out it’s unsafe, we need to take an interest in protecting the health of our environment because our very lives depend on it.”
He said the delayed response had resulted in significant negative impacts.
“From polluted rivers to increasing waste on remote islands, the effects of inaction are now evident and severe”
He said this was no longer a time to sleep but to take actions.
