The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has partnered with Tourism Fiji ahead of this year’s Global Recycling Day which will be held on 18 March 2023 at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort.
PRF, an offshoot of Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited (WRLF), is a rights-based organisation specially formed to raise awareness on recycling and provide structured support to individuals or groups involved in informal waste collection in Fiji and the Pacific, in particular women and members of the LGBTQI+ community.
PRF founder and WRFL chief executive Amitesh Deo said they are grateful to Tourism Fiji for their belief in the organisation and its core work, and desire to join hands as a major partner.
“We expect this collaboration to enhance our capacity to take GRD celebrations to new heights.”
Deo said it is through partnerships such as this that PRF will be able to fulfill its vision of creating awareness on the importance of recycling and empowering Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPRs) and move them to the formal sector.
“This is our third GRD celebrations and we’re excited to take it to the tourism hub of Fiji. We have seen a keen interest and passion for recycling from tourism operators – hence the involvement of Tourism Fiji.”
“This is the first time GRD celebrations will take place in the Western Division and through Tourism Fiji’s partnership; we will be unveiling a tailor-made solution for sustainable tourism, the ‘I-Recycle Hub’.”
Deo also confirmed that PRF will be launching two major national campaigns attached to Global Recycling Day later this month.
Tourism Fiji chief executive Brent Hill said their focus is on sustainable tourism and development that promotes Fiji’s natural environment, culture, and authenticity and at the same time addresses pertinent issues such as climate change in an inclusive manner.
“Tourism Fiji is pleased to support Pacific Recycling Foundation’s Global Recycling Day campaign on March 17 and 18, which calls for recycling not only in the tourism industry, but also in our communities, corporate businesses, and educational institutions.”
“According to a recent study by the World Travel & Tourism Council and Deloitte, 59% of travellers in the last few years have chosen sustainable travel, and 69% of passengers are actively looking for places with sustainable options.”
“We have greater challenges than ever in putting into practice the best sustainable business practices, with waste management serving as a key tenet of sustainability for the travel and tourism sector.”
“This partnership is a crucial step towards that goal as it benefits the economy, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as engages the communities in environmental conservation efforts; making tourism more meaningfully sustainable,” Hill added.
