SUVA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Plastic waste found at every coastal stop during Fiji's Paddle for Hope campaign has highlighted growing concerns over the country's waste management system and the long-term sustainability of its coastal environments, the Pacific Recycling Foundation said.
Amitesh Deo, founder of the foundation, said the findings underscored persistent shortcomings in waste management and the need for coordinated efforts to protect coastal areas that are vital to Fiji's tourism industry, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Monday.
As a major tourism destination in the South Pacific, Fiji relies heavily on its natural attractions, including pristine beaches and marine ecosystems, to draw international visitors.
Plastic pollution threatens these environmental assets, potentially undermining the country's tourism appeal while placing additional pressure on local communities and conservation efforts.
Deo said tackling the problem required a comprehensive approach covering waste collection, recycling, processing and the tracking of discarded materials to determine their final destinations.
Public awareness campaigns alone would not be enough to curb pollution without accessible recycling services, reliable waste collection and adequate processing facilities, he added.
Deo also called for greater support for established recycling programs and grassroots initiatives, stressing the importance of incorporating informal waste collectors and community-based recyclers into national waste management strategies.
Without urgent and coordinated action, plastic pollution could intensify across Fiji and the wider Pacific over the next 10 to 20 years, Deo warned, making it increasingly difficult to protect coastal ecosystems and sustain tourism-related economic activities. ■
