Assistant Minister for Education, Honourable Iliesa Vanawalu (second from left) launches the I-Recycle Hub Project with FNU’s Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching Dr Jimaima Lako and Pacific Recycling Foundation Founder Amitesh Deo.

The Fiji National University (FNU) has launched its I-Recycle Hubs project in collaboration with Waste Recyclers Pte Ltd (WRFL) and the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) at the Derrick Campus in Samabula today.

The I-Recycle Hub programme, in collaboration with Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd and Pacific Recycling Foundation, seeks to implement an effective waste management system in Fiji.

Specially designed bins provided by Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd will be placed at pilot locations in Lautoka’s Natabua Campus and Derrick Campus in Samabula Campus as part of this initiative.

Assistant Minister for Education, Honourable Iliesa Vanawalu speaking at the launch.

Chief Guest and Assistant Minister for Education, Honourable Iliesa Vanawalu, said the I-Recycle Hub project would assist in the fight against climate change.

“I am pleased to be here with you and share the proud journey that FNU is undertaking as environment advocates. I believe it is one of the cornerstones in Fiji, made to address the climate change issue,” Honourable Vanawalu said.

“I thank FNU for initiating the I-Recycle Hub programmes, especially at the University level. FNU is the first university in Fiji and the region to implement the I-Recycle Hub programme in collaboration with the Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd.”

FNU’s Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching Dr Jimaima Lako.

FNU Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Dr Jimaima Lako, highlighted that the launch marked a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future at the University.

“Together, through the I-Recycle Hub, we can transform how we approach waste management and resource consumption. By recycling diligently, we conserve precious natural resources, protect our surroundings, and set an example for others,” Dr Lako said.

“FNU recognises the adverse impacts of climate change experienced locally and globally. Our vulnerability to climate emergency is a wake-up call for all of us to commit to bold climate change mitigation and adaptive actions.”

“Therefore, by declaring Climate Emergency, the Fiji National University is committed to creating a more inclusive and resilient economy by reducing carbon emissions.”

Pacific Recycling Foundation Founder Amitesh Deo.

PRF founder, Amitesh Deo, said higher education institutions play a huge role in preparing students to be responsible citizens, encouraging fresh ideas, and envisioning what a better world could look like.

According to Deo, the PRF’s ‘I Recycle Hub’ programme challenged the conventional view of recycling as a ‘dirty and filthy industry’.

“The I-Recycle Hub Programme is our response to the regular push-back from different sectors that recycling concepts, or those involved in this space, are not neat enough and thus must be hidden in the backyards,” he said.

FNU’s Capital Project and Infrastructure Director, Niranjwan Chettiar, added that the I-Recycle Hub was meant to be a well-functioning sustainable waste management system.

“The I-Recycle Hub Programme is one of the effective measures undertaken to reduce waste, and FNU is thankful to Waste Recyclers Pte Ltd (WRFL) for bringing this programme on board. This not only benefits the University in managing waste, but the wider community and our key stakeholders that are our students as who play a key role in moving the notion of 3Rs – (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle),” Chettiar said.

Student Ambassador Olivia Bera expressed her commitment towards a greener and more sustainable future.

“I strongly believe that if we treat our environment like a dumpster, it is the same thing as throwing away our very livelihood, life source, culture and identity. This is the very reason why environment sustainability is important.”