Waste management is becoming an escalating issue on Fiji’s outlying islands, and local communities are struggling to find sustainable solutions.
The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has reported a surge in requests for assistance from various outer islands, including Ovalau, Kadavu, Rotuma, the Lau Group, Taveuni, Malolo, and others, urgently seeking intervention to tackle their worsening waste management challenges.
Currently, PRF is spearheading the implementation of a comprehensive recycling program in Taveuni in partnership with GIZ and local organisations, including the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Local Government.
This program is slated to roll out later this year.
PRF Founder Amitesh Deo said the growing number of calls for help from outer islands showed the critical need for effective waste management frameworks beyond Viti Levu.
“At present, there is minimal structured support for outer island communities to manage their waste effectively, putting both the environment and livelihoods at significant risk,” Mr Deo said.
Through PRF’s Look Beyond initiative, co-founder Joseph Inoke is currently in Rotuma conducting baseline assessments and engaging with stakeholders who have been advocating for immediate solutions.
Despite the urgency, Mr Deo said PRF had to bear the full cost of this intervention as no dedicated funding was available for such programs.
“The situation in the outer islands is dire.
“Waste generation is rapidly increasing, and without intervention, much of it will end up in the ocean, leading to devastating environmental and health consequences,” he said.
“We cannot tackle this crisis alone,” Mr Deo continued.
“We need the collective effort of government ministries, donor agencies, development partners, and the private sector to build sustainable waste management solutions for these communities.”
While PRF has been collaborating with partners to roll out holistic recycling programs across various sectors on Viti Levu, the outer islands remain underserved.
Many of these communities lack even the most basic waste disposal options, leading to uncontrolled dumping, pollution, and increased risks to marine ecosystems.
“Without immediate action, the environmental and health risks will continue to escalate, threatening both livelihoods and biodiversity,” Mr Deo warned.
PRF has called on government agencies, development partners, and donor organisations to step forward and collaborate in addressing this urgent crisis.
“Investing in waste management solutions for the outer islands is not just about environmental protection; it’s a fundamental step toward sustainable development, climate resilience, and the wellbeing of these communities,” he said.
