People living along Fiji’s coast will have the opportunity to take part in a month-long campaign encouraging stronger action to protect the country’s waterways and marine environment.

The Paddle for Hope journey began in Suva on 1 September, with two stand-up paddlers and a support crew setting out on a 500-kilometre trip around Viti Levu.

The initiative is being held as part of the 2026 Season of Creation, which carries the theme “Living Waters.”

Organised by the Pacific Conference of Churches and Suva SUPers, the campaign is bringing its environmental message directly to coastal communities, churches, young people and civil society groups.

Activities along the route include community clean-ups, recycling awareness, environmental education and talanoa.

At the heart of the campaign is the message “SUP against SUP”, using stand-up paddling to promote action against single-use plastics.

Organisers are encouraging households, businesses and communities to reduce plastic use and stop waste from reaching rivers and the ocean.

Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, said environmental action at community level has an important role to play alongside national, regional and global efforts to tackle climate change, ocean degradation and plastic pollution.

The journey will also provide coastal communities with an opportunity to share their concerns and perspectives in broader discussions on climate and ocean protection, particularly as Fiji and other Pacific nations look towards COP31.

Paddle for Hope is scheduled to return to Suva on 28 September. Members of the public are encouraged to follow the journey, participate in activities along the route and contribute to efforts to keep Fiji’s waterways clean and protected.