Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) and Samoa Recycling and Waste
Management Association (SRWMA) are thrilled to announce the Inaugural Pacific Recyclers
Meeting, set to take place at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, Fiji, from the 1st to the
2nd of August 2024.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to foster discussions toward forming a regional recycling
alliance, addressing the significant waste management challenges facing the Pacific region.
The Pacific region is at a critical juncture, with waste management issues becoming
increasingly urgent.
The first-ever Pacific Recyclers Meeting represents a historic opportunity for grassroots
recycling organisations across the Pacific to come together, share experiences, and
collectively tackle these challenges. The event will include knowledge-sharing sessions,
technical training, and capacity-building activities on Circular Economy, Recycling, and
Ocean Plastics Pollution Prevention, supported by donor partners such as USAID and
Tourism Fiji.
The meeting is being attended by representatives from grassroots recycling organisations in
Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo said they are excited to launch this pioneering initiative in
partnership with SRWMA.
“For too long, many grassroots recycling organisations in the Pacific have operated in
isolation, grappling with significant challenges without adequate support or recognition. This
event offers a historic opportunity for these organisations to come together, share their
experiences, and collectively address the critical issues surrounding waste management,”
said Deo.
Samoa Recycling and Waste Management Association’s Co-Founder, Marina Keil said
building partnership and collaboration is key.
“It harnesses the diverse strength and expertise of each organisation, creating a strong
synergy to tackle waste in the Pacific, ensuring that our kids and our future generation live in
a cleaner and greener Pacific,” said Keil.
USAID Acting Mission Director, Jason Gilpin said USAID is proud to support the formation of
a regional recycling alliance to build a sustainable circular economy in the Pacific and
elevate the efforts of recycling organisations in the region.
“USAID is committed to partnering with governments, collection pillars of recycling (CPR),
communities, and organisations to raise public awareness and help countries recycle and
reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our oceans,” said Gilpin.
Tourism Fiji’s Chief Operations Officer, Leigh Howard said they are excited to support the
Inaugural Pacific Recyclers Meeting.

“This event is a great opportunity for us to work together on better waste management and
protect our beautiful islands. By joining forces and sharing ideas, we can make a real
difference in our environment. We are looking forward to the positive impact this meeting will
have, especially for those on the ground,” said Howard.
The opening ceremony was officiated by the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and the
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua.