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UNSW SMaRT Centre is pleased to support in the three-day workshop "Revolutionising waste management in Fiji and the Pacific".
This tri-partnership initiative to strengthen recycling systems in Fiji and the region is led by Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF), UNSW, and the Australian, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands Plastics Pact (ANZPAC), under the guidance of the UNSW Institute for Global Development.
SMaRT and its various recycling technologies and processes feature as a key consideration for future actions.
Below is an image of a Fiji Times story about the tri-partnership initiative.
Published by Pacific Recyclers Forum:
Held from February 11-13 at UNSW, this groundbreaking initiative marks a turning point in the region’s fight against its mounting waste crisis and positions PRF and its partners as a key player in shaping sustainable waste solutions.
For PRF, a grassroots organisation that has long advocated the rights and recognition of informal collectors of recyclables known as Collection Pillars of Recycling, this partnership with UNSW and ANZPAC is a historic achievement.
Among the major breakthroughs planned for rollout between 2025 and 2027, PRF and ANZPAC are expected to spearhead an aggressive expansion of collection and recovery programs across supermarkets, recreational parks, religious institutions, government ministries, and the tourism sector in Fiji and the region.
A pilot kerbside collection program for households will also be introduced – a move in strengthening waste recovery at the community level.
PRF and its partners have also planned to launch upcycling projects. A robust communications strategy will ensure widespread awareness and active participation in recycling efforts across Fiji and the Pacific.
In collaboration with UNSW, PRF will develop specialised upcycling solutions tailored to the unique waste challenges of the region. This partnership will also introduce capacity-building programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The proposed activities received resounding validation and support from high-ranking government representatives in Sydney, including Fiji’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Environment, Dr. Sivendra Michael, and senior Australian Government officials, including Cameron Hutchinson, Head of Delegation from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water for Australia.
Reflecting on the significance of this collaboration, PRF Founder Amitesh Deo said this is more than just a partnership.
“It is a historic moment for grassroots recycling in Fiji and the Pacific. The commitment from both the Fijian and Australian governments signals the dawn of a new era. With waste volumes rising and communities at risk, this partnership with UNSW and ANZPAC sets the stage for lasting change. For the first time, grassroots recyclers stand at the forefront of an initiative that will redefine waste management in Fiji and across the Pacific. The message is clear: the time for action is now,” stressed Deo.
UNSW’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lisa Zamberlan, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to collaborating with PRF on upcycling solutions to address different waste problems in Fiji and the region and capacity building and exchange learning.
“UNSW is privileged to work with PRF and ANZPAC to bring its distinctive capability in entrepreneurship to foster the innovation ecosystem and startups in the pacific recycling area,” said The University of New South Wales Director, Global Ventures Professor Vinayak Dixit.
Senior ANZPAC Manager, Angela Mayer said the last three days demonstrated how open minds, curiosity and determination can move individual ideas into powerful partnership approaches.
“ANZPAC is looking forward to collaborate not just with PRF and UNSW on this partnership but bring the wider industry into the discussion to make these workshop outcomes a reality,” said Mayer.