4 March 2013, Suva, Fiji - The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) have joined forces with Griffith University (Australia) and the Fiji National University to train Pacific island countries in best practice in waste management techniques this week in Suva, Fiji.
Speaking during the training course opening ceremony, the Fiji Minister for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment, Colonel Samuela A. Saumatua, said that "growing volumes of solid and hazardous waste were major threats to the national and regional environment". Colonel Saumatua endorsed the training course saying that "this training is important as it will develop trainers from Pacific island nations who will be able to facilitate training programmes in solid waste management in their own countries on their return home."
The 2 week training course is being run at the Fiji National University in Suva and has 16 participants from 8 Pacific island nations attending. The course has been developed by Griffith University, Australia, specifically for the region. Over the next 2 weeks, the course participants will learn about policies and strategic approaches to solid waste management, financial sustainability, best practice and sustainable development of waste treatment and operating centres.
Photo courtesy of D. Hayves
Dr David Haynes, the Director of the Waste Management and Pollution Control Division at SPREP, said that "improved waste management was one of the key environmental issues confronting the region". Dr Haynes thanked AFD for recognising and generously supporting the priority of waste management in the Pacific island nations. He also commended the work of the Fiji Government for their efforts in improving waste management practices in Fiji.
The training course will be delivered annually for the next four years. Fiji National University will be supported by Griffith University as they progressively take over teaching the course to Pacific island participants and increasing the capacity of the university in waste management education and training.
For more information please contact Dr. David Haynes, Director of Waste Management and Pollution Control – [email protected]