The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) and the Samoa Recycling and Waste Management Association (SRWMA) are excited to announce the Inaugural Pacific Recyclers Meeting. This event will be held at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, Fiji, from 1st August to the 2nd, 2024. This groundbreaking initiative aims to foster discussions toward forming a regional recycling alliance, addressing significant waste management challenges facing the Pacific region.
The Pacific region is at a critical juncture, with waste management issues becoming increasingly urgent. The first-ever Pacific Recyclers Meeting represents a historic opportunity for grassroots recycling organizations across the Pacific to come together, share experiences, and collectively tackle these challenges. The event will include knowledge-sharing sessions, technical training, and capacity-building activities on Circular Economy, Recycling, and Ocean Plastics Pollution Prevention, supported by donor partners such as USAID and Tourism Fiji.
Representatives from grassroots recycling organizations in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji are attending the meeting.
PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo, expressed enthusiasm for launching this pioneering initiative in partnership with SRWMA. “For too long, many grassroots recycling organizations in the Pacific have operated in isolation, grappling with significant challenges without adequate support or recognition. This event offers a historic opportunity for these organizations to come together, share their experiences, and collectively address the critical issues surrounding waste management,” said Deo.
Marina Keil, Co-Founder of SRWMA, highlighted the importance of partnership and collaboration. “It harnesses the diverse strength and expertise of each organization, creating a strong synergy to tackle waste in the Pacific, ensuring that our kids and our future generation live in a cleaner and greener Pacific,” said Keil.
USAID Acting Mission Director, Jason Gilpin, emphasized USAID’s commitment to supporting the formation of a regional recycling alliance to build a sustainable circular economy in the Pacific. “USAID is committed to partnering with governments, collection pillars of recycling (CPR), communities, and organizations to raise public awareness and help countries recycle and reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our oceans,” said Gilpin.
Tourism Fiji’s Chief Operations Officer, Leigh Howard, expressed excitement about supporting the Inaugural Pacific Recyclers Meeting. “This event is a great opportunity for us to work together on better waste management and protect our beautiful islands. By joining forces and sharing ideas, we can make a real difference in our environment. We are looking forward to the positive impact this meeting will have, especially for those on the ground,” said Howard.
The opening ceremony was officiated by the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua.
