Fiji, like all other small developing states in the pacific region, recognizes that waste management is pressing issues that need immediate action. It is recognized as a major concern with the potential to cause negative impacts on our national development activities including public health, the environment, food security, tourism and trade. To address the impacts, the National Solid Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan2008 -2010 was formulated and in two years since the launching of the strategy, there has been some progress on improving solid waste. However, most solid waste is still currently being thrown in open dumpsites, illegally disposed off in the sea on unused land or in the streets and burned.
The revised strategy developed in consultation with stakeholders and approved by cabinet decision number 306 on 15th August, 2011 strives to address the environmental, health, and economic impacts of wastes over the period 2011- 2014 by building on the progress and successes achieved under the 2008 – 2010 strategy. It is supported by an implementation plan which sets out the key actions that will be taken to deliver the vision of the strategy.
The vision of this National Solid Waste Management Strategy 2011 – 2014 is for Informed and Responsible Communities Committed to Sustainable Solid Waste Management.
The revised strategy was officially launched by the Minister of Local Government, Urban development, Housing and Environment on the 14th of September, 2011 at Holiday Inn.