Ministry urges Fijians to protect environment during festive season

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has urged all Fijians to practise responsible waste disposal during the festive season, warning that careless behaviour could cause long-term damage to the nation’s land, oceans and biodiversity.

Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sivendra Michael, delivering the message on behalf of the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu, said the festive season should be a time of responsible celebration.

“Celebrations should not come at the cost of our environment,” Dr Michael said.

“During the holidays, waste generation increases significantly, and how we choose to manage that waste reflects our respect for our land and the wider environment that provides for us.”

He said improper waste disposal — including littering, illegal dumping and pollution of waterways — posed serious risks to ecosystems, public health and community wellbeing.

“Let us reaffirm our collective commitment to caring for our environment by responsibly disposing of our waste and working together towards a cleaner, greener and more resilient Fiji,” he said.

Dr Michael stressed that environmental protection was not solely a government responsibility but a shared national duty.

“Environmental stewardship is a trust placed in all of us as Fijians. How we treat our land, our forests and our seas today will determine what we leave behind for our children tomorrow,” he said.

He also acknowledged the growing role of public accountability, noting that citizens were increasingly calling out irresponsible behaviour.

“We are seeing more people speak up.

"Videos circulating on social media have highlighted incidents of littering and illegal dumping, and in some cases community voices have intervened directly to stop harm to our environment.

"That is the kind of vigilance and shared responsibility we need,” he said.

Dr Michael cited a recent incident in which public intervention prevented rubbish from being dumped into the water, describing it as an example of values-based leadership at the community level.

The ministry’s message forms part of the national Anti-Litter Campaign launched in January this year, a four-year programme aimed at changing behaviour, strengthening enforcement and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility across Fiji.

“Protecting our environment is not optional; it is fundamental to who we are as a people,” Dr Michael said.

“Every piece of waste disposed of responsibly is an act of respect for Fiji.”

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