Every cyclone or flood leaves behind more than damage — it leaves behind waste. From broken infrastructure to household debris, the cleanup challenge is real. That’s why Fiji is stepping up as part of a Pacific-wide initiative under the PacWastePlus Programme to tackle disaster waste more effectively and sustainably.

Cabinet was recently updated on Fiji’s active role in the Regional Disaster Waste Management Project, which focuses on building stronger systems for dealing with waste after natural disasters. The goal? To protect our environment, improve public health, and make recovery quicker and safer for our communities.

This initiative is about more than just trash — it’s about resilience. By working with governments, industry experts, and communities across the Pacific, PacWastePlus is helping us all get better at preparing for and recovering from disasters.

The project supports training, builds capacity, and strengthens coordination so we can manage waste safely, reduce risks, and protect the land and sea we call home.