The Fiji Times

Minister calls for action on environmen­t upkeep ‘No time for nonsense’

- By SALASEINI GONELEVU By SALASEINI GONELEVU

PACIFIC Recycling Foundation founder Amitesh Deo has reiterated the urgent need to address the country’s waste problem.

“We no longer have time for nonsense when we are dealing with our waste management crisis,” he said.

“Talk without action is nonsense.”

Mr Deo told participan­ts of the Pacific Recycling Foundation strategic planning workshop in Suva on Tuesday the foundation’s strategic plan was about strengthen­ing “our voices and our actions”.

“Therefore, walking the talk is the cornerston­e of our strategic planning developmen­t process,” he said.

His first job in a recycling yard as well as the people he had met, he said, had helped shape who he is and helped him find a purpose in his life.

“Back then, sitting amongst this group just to have a once-a-week free food, I had no idea that they would eventually become a big part of my life.”

IT is the responsibi­lity of all to safeguard the environmen­t, nurture the economy and enhance social wellbeing for generation­s to come, says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Civil

Aviation and Education, Viliame Gavoka.

He told the Pacific Recycling Foundation’s stakeholde­r workshop on Tuesday the event signified a shared commitment to address waste management, which is one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

“Our actions, if left unchecked, directly impacts Fiji’s delicate ecosystem, the health of our communitie­s and the bounty of our land,” he said.

Mr Gavoka said waste management was multifacet­ed and required partnershi­ps that transcende­d organisati­onal boundaries where the Government, NGOS and companies along with civil society must all play a role.

He said innovation thrived in a collaborat­ive environmen­t by sharing knowledge, resources and best practices, and that this would generate solutions that maximised impact.

“The workshop is a testament of what partnershi­ps can achieve,” the minister said.

“The Pacific Recycling Foundation stands at the forefront of positive change. Its approach to waste management is community-driven and sustainabl­e.

“Our theme, walk the talk and connect the dots, emphasises action. Let us align our words with deeds.”

 ?? Picture: RUSIATE VUNIREWA ?? Founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation and CEO of Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd, Amitesh Deo (left) leads Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka at the Pacific Recycing Foundation’s Strategic Plan (2025-2029) ‘Walking the Talk - Connecting the Dots’ Stakeholde­r Consultati­on Workshop at the Suva Civic Centre on Tuesday.
Picture: RUSIATE VUNIREWA Founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation and CEO of Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd, Amitesh Deo (left) leads Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka at the Pacific Recycing Foundation’s Strategic Plan (2025-2029) ‘Walking the Talk - Connecting the Dots’ Stakeholde­r Consultati­on Workshop at the Suva Civic Centre on Tuesday.
 ?? Picture: RUSIATE VUNIREWA ?? Dr Padma Lal addresses the workshop on Tuesday.
Picture: RUSIATE VUNIREWA Dr Padma Lal addresses the workshop on Tuesday.

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