Inter-faith organisations have been urged to back Government’s initiative to replace the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags.

Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma communications secretary Reverend James Bhagwan said the Fiji Council of Churches welcomed the initiative by Government on banning the use of plastic bags.

“This is a wonderful initiative to see the commitment by Fiji towards on what we are doing at home as we move towards the Ocean Conference and the COP23 conference” Reverend Bhagwan said.

“There are many people who have been, as individuals and as communities, wondering about how we in Fiji own what we are speaking for on the world stage.

“How do we have the moral authority as Fijians, to address- not only the climate change but the protection of our oceans and creating healthy oceans.”

The timing, Reverend Bhagwan says, could not have been better.

“The timing is really good. We say that, in the Christian context, we talk about kairos, that there is one moment in time when everything comes together and we only have this one moment when the eyes of the world are on Fiji for the Ocean Conference and the COP23 and it’s our chance as Fijians to do something. Not only for the collective good as the people of Fiji living here, but also as our contribution to the rest of the world.”

Earlier this year the Fiji Council of Churches had proposed working towards banning the use of plastics.

“We are glad to see that this work is not being done in isolation and that there is consensus from all sectors of Fiji.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj