Fiji Ministry of Environment and Climate Change

We acknowledge and thank all the green champions who turned out in large numbers to commemorate World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, while also showing their support for the Ministry’s recent decision regarding the proposed Waste-to-Energy Project in Vuda.

The participation of more than 1,000 Fijians highlights the urgency of taking action to protect our environment and oceans for future generations. Safeguarding our natural resources is a shared responsibility, and meaningful progress can only be achieved through collective effort.

STATEMENT FROM MINISTER FOR INFORMATION, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE HON. LYNDA TABUYA ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2026

Bula Vinaka and a happy World Environment Day to all Fijians.

Today, we do not simply celebrate our environment. We stand at a critical crossroads for our nation. Fiji joins the global community under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”

But let me be clear: we cannot claim to be inspired by nature while we are slowly strangling it with our own waste.

Nature is not a scenic backdrop for our photographs. It is our lifeline. The mangroves that block storm surges, the rivers that fill our kettles and tanoa with clean water, the reefs that feed our children, these are not "nice to haves."

They are our first and last line of defence in the face of an escalating climate crisis. And right now, plastic, pollution, and poor waste management are harming our greatest allies from the inside out.

For Fiji, protecting nature and beating waste are the same fight. We cannot talk about climate resilience while our rivers choke on discarded wrappers.

Read the full speech on: https://mecc.gov.fj/ministerial-statement-for-world-environment-day-2026/

MINISTER TABUYA CALLS FOR GREATER CLIMATE FINANCE ACCESS

Pacific Island countries require approximately US$1.5 billion annually for climate action, yet receive only a fraction of that amount, leaving a financing gap of nearly US$1 billion each year.

To bridge this shortfall, Pacific nations are creating innovative and blended financing mechanisms aimed at strengthening climate resilience and sustainable development.

Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya highlighted this while speaking at the Scaling Nature-Positive Solutions for Whole-of-Island Benefits side event during the Eighth Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan this week.

Minister Tabuya said Pacific Island countries currently receive between only USD 0.2 and 0.6 billion per year, despite facing growing climate-related challenges. She noted that adaptation needs alone are estimated at US$3.3 billion per year.

She said the Pacific is responding by establishing innovative financing mechanisms, including the Pacific Resilience Facility, the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund and the Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund.

The Minister stressed that international funding mechanisms such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) continue to play a critical catalytic role by supporting policy reforms, strengthening institutions and helping governments attract further investment.

Speaking on the importance of nature-positive development, Minister Tabuya said nature is central to the identity, economies and resilience of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

SIDS are global leaders on climate change, plastic pollution, ocean governance and financial system reform.

The Minister also highlighted that Fiji has mobilised USD 32 million to implement our national environment and climate priorities and leveraged nearly five times that amount through co-financing.

Minister Tabuya called for faster and more streamlined access to vertical funds, strengthened technology transfer, and partnerships that include governments, communities, development partners and the private sector.

The side event was co-hosted by the United Nations Development Programme and the SIDS Coalition for Nature on the margins of the Eighth GEF Assembly.

LASTING CHANGE REQUIRES COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

Fiji has the capacity to develop practical solutions to address our current waste challenge, but lasting change will require collective action and responsibility.

Speaking during the Marine Litter Training on Beach Surveys and Waste Audits under the newly launched SWAP II Project, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Sivendra Michael said meaningful progress can be achieved when communities, organisations and individuals work together.

"The solution is here in front of us. Small actions matter, and when we join forces, they can have a significant impact," he said.

Dr. Michael pointed to initiatives such as Trashboom Pacific, which has proven effective in preventing waste from entering rivers and reaching the ocean, helping to protect Fiji's marine ecosystems. He also highlighted the success of composting communities, particularly in areas without regular waste collection services, as examples of practical local solutions.

He stressed the importance of understanding Fiji's waste composition before implementing waste management projects. A large proportion of the country's waste consists of household and green waste, areas where citizens can play a direct role in reducing pollution through responsible disposal and composting practices.

While clean-up campaigns remain important, Dr. Michael said Fiji must move beyond a culture of continuously collecting rubbish discarded by others.

"How long can we keep picking up rubbish left behind through irresponsible behaviour?" he questioned.

He emphasised the need to strengthen compliance with environmental laws and fully enforce existing legislation to address persistent littering and illegal waste disposal.

The training brought together Ministry of Environment and Climate Change staff, University of the South Pacific students, Trashboom Pacific representatives and international development partners.

Participants received both classroom and field-based training, including beach surveys, waste collection, waste profiling and safe handling procedures for hazardous materials, while learning the importance of using proper protective equipment during clean-up activities.

Sustainable Coastlines

𝐅𝐈𝐉𝐈 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐀𝐙𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐏

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has concluded a two-day National Reporting and Validation Workshop to support the preparation of Fiji’s Sixth National Report under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

The workshop brought together government agencies, statutory bodies, non-governmental organisations, private sector representatives and technical experts to compile, review and validate national data before submission to the Stockholm Convention Secretariat.

The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty that seeks to reduce and eliminate chemicals that remain in the environment for long periods, accumulate through food chains, and pose serious risks to human health, biodiversity and ecosystems.

There are 4 key global conventions governing control of waste and chemicals, which are Basel, Rotterdam, Minamata and Stockholm Conventions.

Fiji is party to only 1 of the 4 and is currently in the process of acceding to the remaining 3. Fiji signed and ratified the Stockholm Convention in June 2001, and the treaty entered into force for Fiji in May 2004.

Opening the workshop, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, said the reporting process is not simply about meeting an international obligation.

“This report must tell us where we are, what progress we have made, and where stronger action is still needed. It must help us make better decisions, target investment, and protect our people from chemicals that can cause long-term harm,” Dr Michael said.

He said persistent organic pollutants, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are dangerous because they do not disappear easily. They remain in the environment, move through air, water and soil, and build up in living organisms over time.

Dr Michael said Fiji’s work under the Stockholm Convention must be treated as part of a broader national responsibility to strengthen chemicals and hazardous waste management.

He also highlighted the establishment of the Ministry’s Scientific Laboratory, which will support stronger monitoring of water quality, air quality and chemicals of concern. The laboratory will strengthen evidence-based decision-making and improve Fiji’s ability to detect, assess and respond to environmental risks.

The Ministry said the Sixth National Report will help guide future national action to reduce pollution, improve chemicals management, and safeguard the health of present and future generations.

🇫🇯 𝐅𝐈𝐉𝐈 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐔𝐍𝐅𝐂𝐂𝐂 𝐒𝐁𝟔𝟒 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒

This week, Fiji delegation continued their final round of preparations for the Sixty-Fourth Session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Bonn, Germany, from 8 to 18 June 2026.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change convened its usual Technical Working Group session to review draft negotiation texts, strengthen Fiji’s positions, and prepare officials for engagement across key agenda items.

Sessions were led by the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, who shared practical negotiation tools, lessons from past negotiators, and guidance on how to engage in complex multilateral spaces, particularly on matters that may not conclude during the intersessional meetings.

Dr Michael said SB64 is a critical meeting because it helps set the direction for decisions that will later be taken at COP31.

He reminded officials that successful negotiations require preparation, coordination, clear communication and a strong understanding of both the text and the rules of procedures.

“The size of the team does not matter. What matters is our effectiveness during the negotiations and that depends on how we prepare, coordinate and move beyond the procedural niceties" Dr Michael said.

The team also discussed how negotiations can become difficult when issues are delayed, text is contested, or discussions are moved into smaller and more informal spaces.

Drawing from the intensity of COP30, Dr Michael encouraged officials to remain alert, regularly update one another, and ensure that Fiji’s positions are advanced consistently across the rooms.

He said the purpose of negotiations is not simply to speak, but to secure decisions that can translate into real action for communities.

“Our work must cascade from the negotiation rooms into national decisions, programmes and delivery for our people,” he said.

Fiji’s participation at SB64 will focus on advancing national and regional priorities, including adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, oceans, and other issues of importance to vulnerable countries.

A multi-ministry team of 7 individuals will be representing Fiji at SB64, and all costs for their participation are covered through external funding support.

FIJI STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH WWF FOR OCEAN AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Fiji has reaffirmed its strong partnership with WWF as a key strategic partner in the Pacific, focused on protecting our oceans, strengthening climate resilience, and supporting communities that depend on healthy marine ecosystems.

During a bilateral meeting at the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya met with WWF representatives to discuss ongoing work to protect Fiji’s coral reefs, including the Great Sea Reef, and to secure climate finance for conservation and community resilience projects.

Minister Tabuya stressed the importance of moving from planning to action, ensuring conservation efforts deliver real benefits for biodiversity, food security, livelihoods, and coastal communities.

Discussions also explored future opportunities under GEF-9, including support for biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and community-led natural resource management.

Hon. Tabuya thanked WWF for its continued support and welcomed closer collaboration to protect Fiji’s oceans and build a more resilient future for generations to come.

WHY UNIDO MATTERS TO FIJI

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) helps countries build stronger, greener and more resilient economies. While many climate organisations focus on funding, UNIDO provides the technical expertise, training, technology and project support needed to turn ideas into real projects on the ground.

For Fiji, UNIDO can help improve waste and plastics management, support recycling and circular economy initiatives, strengthen renewable energy systems, build climate-resilient industries, and assist small businesses to adapt to climate change. They also help governments develop policies, attract investment and access international environmental funding.

This meeting with UNIDO was important because Fiji is helping shape the next round of global environmental funding under GEF-9. It gave Fiji the opportunity to ensure that national priorities such as waste management, plastic pollution, biodiversity protection, climate resilience and support for small businesses are reflected in future programmes and partnerships.

It also strengthened Fiji’s relationship with UNIDO, which is already supporting Fiji through the Circular Economy and Plastics Project funded by Japan. The discussion opened opportunities for additional technical assistance, capacity building and project development that can help Fiji tackle growing challenges such as waste, pollution and climate impacts while creating economic opportunities for communities and businesses.

In simple terms, UNIDO helps Fiji turn climate and environmental goals into practical solutions, jobs, stronger industries and cleaner communities.

FIJI AND PANAMA PUSH FOR STRONGER CLIMATE ACTION

Fiji and Panama have reaffirmed their commitment to working together on climate change, plastic pollution and protecting vulnerable communities during a bilateral meeting at the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya met with Panama’s Vice Minister for Environment, Mr. Oscar Vallarino, to discuss shared priorities, including the transition away from fossil fuels, the Global Plastics Treaty, climate resilience and improved access to climate finance.

As Fiji prepares to host Pre-COP31, Minister Tabuya highlighted the importance of ensuring Pacific voices are heard in global climate negotiations and welcomed opportunities for closer collaboration with Panama.

The meeting also explored Panama’s innovative work on monitoring climate-related loss and damage, as well as opportunities for cooperation through the Green Climate Fund offices in Panama City and Suva.

Both countries agreed that vulnerable nations need simpler, faster and fairer access to climate finance to strengthen resilience and protect communities on the frontlines of climate change.

MINISTER TABUYA MEETS WITH GEF CHEMICALS AND WASTE TEAM TO MARK WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya met with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Chemicals and Waste team in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to discuss support for Fiji’s growing waste management challenges and the development of a national approach to waste management.

Minister Tabuya requested the meeting as she continues to advance the need for a National Waste Management Strategy that addresses one of Fiji’s most pressing environmental issues—the growing volume of waste generated in villages, informal and squatter settlements, and other communities that currently have little or no regular waste collection services.

She highlighted that many communities are struggling with plastic pollution, illegal dumping, open burning of rubbish, and waste entering rivers and coastal areas, creating risks to public health, livelihoods and the environment.

The Minister stressed that Fiji requires practical solutions and investment to improve waste collection systems, expand recycling and resource recovery, reduce plastic waste, support composting initiatives, and create sustainable waste management options for communities currently outside municipal collection services.

Discussions also focused on Fiji’s broader efforts to tackle plastics, hazardous waste, e-waste and chemical pollution, while strengthening environmental governance and protecting human health, biodiversity and marine ecosystems.

Minister Tabuya said Fiji is committed to building a cleaner and greener future, but achieving this requires stronger partnerships and easier access to financing and technical support.

The meeting explored opportunities for GEF support towards community-based waste management programmes, recycling initiatives, plastic recovery projects, waste-to-energy opportunities and nature-based alternatives to single-use plastics.

She noted that for many Fijians, waste management is not simply an environmental issue but a quality-of-life issue that affects health, safety, food security, tourism and community wellbeing.

The discussions form part of Fiji’s broader engagement at the Eighth GEF Assembly, where representatives from 186 countries are working to shape the next phase of global environmental financing.