The United Nations General Assembly’s declaration that access to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a universal human right is historic and comes at a critical juncture.

This is in terms of climate change and its impact in Fiji and on the planet, says Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited director and Pacific Recycling Foundation’s Amitesh Deo.

The declaration called upon states, international organisations, and business enterprises to scale up efforts to ensure a healthy environment for all.

UN secretary-general, António Guterres, welcomed the ‘historic’ decision and said the landmark development demonstrates that member states could come together in the collective fight against the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

“We welcome and embrace wholeheartedly the comments by the UN secretary general that the resolution will help reduce environmental injustices, close protection gaps and empower people, especially those that are in vulnerable situations, including environmental human rights defenders, children, youth, women and indigenous peoples,” Mr Deo said.

“This declaration is a game changer because it now gives every member state of the UN, some ‘teeth’ in terms of being able to ramp up their efforts in all facets of the environment.”

He added that the Pacific Recycling Foundation also thanked Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for being a climate champion and the Attorney-General for being an Oceans Champion.

“Now the onus shifts to every Fijian and every person who calls Fiji home to take up the fight and to become champions in their individual settings,” Mr Deo said.

“Parents can bring the discussion of good waste management into their homes by beginning with the way waste is sorted prior to being placed in the bin.”

“They can develop compost heaps and only place waste that is not biodegradable into the rubbish bin.”

“Plastic PET bottles and cans can be separated and taken to companies like Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd.”

“Communities can do the same as a collective.”

“So, I challenge every Fijian to bring this bold UN declaration into action, by changing the way we behave at home, in our communities, in school and when we are out and about.”

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj