LocationsTrash Boom Launched in Aid of Preventing Plastic Pollution
April 25, 2024
Trash Boom Pilot in action at Nadera RIver in Suva, Fiji.
Suva, Fiji – Plastics pose a significant threat to our Blue Pacific. Annually, approximately 8 million tons of plastics enter our oceans, equivalent to a garbage truck dumping its contents every minute.
Fiji alone generates around 15,000 tons of plastic waste each year, further exacerbating the crisis, with less than 10 percent of this waste being recycled.
The launch of the Trash Boom Pilot – an initiative to combat plastic pollution which has been locally manufactured by BioEnergy Insight Pacific, aims to address the pervasive issue of plastic and waste pollution in the Nadera River. Aligning with the broader mission of the UNDP Pacific Accelerator Lab, the initiative works closely with local solution holders and communities to design sustainable solutions tailored to the specific needs of Pacific Island nations. This event follows on from Earth Day, which was commemorated on 22 April, with the theme for 2024 being ‘Planet vs. Plastics’.
Group photo of representatives from the community, Rishikul Nadera Primary School, Nasinu Town Council, Ministry of Envrionment and Climate Change, UNDP Pacific Office, and BioEnergy Insight Pacific during the launch.
The deployment of a prototype functional trash boom has several key objectives including the reduction of plastic and waste pollution, integration of technological innovation at the local level, efficient monitoring of flow of waste, community engagement, promotion of sustainable practices, demonstration of replicability and scalability, and fostering public-private collaboration.
By achieving these objectives, the initiative aims to set a sustainable environmental precedent, emphasizing the importance of collective action and cooperation between the public and private sector.
By preventing the downstream movement of debris, plastics, and waste pollution, the trash boom will improve water quality – essential for both marine life and human health.
This event aligns with UNDP Pacific’s focus on promoting sustainable development and environmental protection in the region. The trash boom solution exemplifies innovative approaches to address local challenges and empower communities.
Senior Environment Officer from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Mere Bainimarama.
Senior Environment Officer from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Mere Bainimarama said: “The Department of Environment is working hard to combat plastic pollution. The Trash Boom Pilot is about finding solutions right here in our communities to combat a problem that affects everyone. Plastic pollution is a serious threat to our health and environment and our Blue Pacific.”
BioEnergy Insight Pacific Director, Wayne Fuakilau.
BioEnergy Insight Pacific Director, Wayne Fuakilau said: “We chose this community because they are at the end chain of receiving rubbish all the way from Valelevu and Nasinu area. We are thankful to the UNDP Accelerator Lab and the Water Authority of Fiji for their support in this initiative.”
Nasinu Town Council Chair Felix Magnus.
Nasinu Town Council Chair Felix Magnus said: “This initiative underscores our collective commitment to combating the escalating crisis of waste population in our waterways and environment. This initiative is a testament to the power of partnership and innovation in addressing the pressing environmental challenges.”
UNDP Effective Governance and Inclusive Growth Programme Analyst, Patrick Tuimalealiifano.
UNDP Effective Governance and Inclusive Growth Programme Analyst, Patrick Tuimalealiifano, while speaking at the launch said the trash boom pilot is a prime example of the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs, such as BioEnergy Insight Pacific.
“UNDP is committed to finding sustainable solutions, tailored to the specific needs of Pacific Island nations - empowering local communities, including youth, women, and men.
“This pilot is just the beginning. Through collaboration, innovation, and awareness-raising, we see immense potential for this solution to grow across Fiji and the Pacific. Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against plastic pollution. Let’s not just celebrate Earth Day, but let’s use it as a springboard for action, every single day,” he said.
The launch event took place in the Nadera River on 26 April.
For further media enquiries please contact:
Ashna Kumar, Communications Associate, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji. (E) ashna.kumar@undp.org
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