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The government of Fiji adopted a policy for sustain able social and environmental compatibility in its Strategic Development Plan 2007-2011 in 2006, which also recognizes the importance of appropriate waste management. As for the legal aspects, the Environmental Management Act 2005 was legislated in March 2005.The Environment Management (Waste Disposal and Recycling) Regulation 2007 which gives effect to the provisions of EMA 2005 was anacted on January 2008,. Also, the National Solid Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan 2008-2010 was launched in June 2008 with the aim of reducing environmental impact and waste through proper waste management. Department of Environment (DOE) has now adopted updating the National Solid Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan 2011-2014 in August 2011.

Waste management is both a threat and an opportunity. Poor waste management can degrade our environment and erode our economy. Just as importantly, it can reduce the communities’ desire to be involved in creating a better Kiribati for our next generation. As we have seen from our recycling program, good waste management can also generate employment and economic activity while cleaning up the islands. Waste is truly a sustainable development issue involving environment, economy and social issues.

It is our intention to design a strategy that will move Fiji from an over-reliance on dumping wastes and littering to a position where it will be a model for sustainable waste management. Waste cannot be reduced without a system that manages waste from the point of generation through to disposal. Up till now, waste policies provided an end of pipe solution by focusing mainly on disposal rather than prevention. There is a need to develop a new vision for minimizing waste and managing it better.

There is no shortage of provisions relating to waste management issues in the current laws of Kiribati. While it may be useful to consider the opportunities for recognising the role of the community in waste management under the laws of Kiribati, there would appear to be only limited scope for effective legislative action in this regard. The role of Local Government Councils is clear and this is effectively provided for the in the Local Government Act 1984. If the problem is one of planning, capacity or prioritisation, or any combination of these, then amendment to the laws of Kiribati is unlikely to provide an effective outcome.

The International Waters Programme is implementing the Strategic Action Plan for the countries of the South Pacific. Activities in Kiribati under the IWP are focused on waste management issues and the effects that waste disposal has on water supply and coastal waters. Pilot projects, particularly involving the Bikenibeu West Community, are proposed to address the fundamental causes of terrestrial derived wastes at community level. At a national level it is proposed to review the structure, functions and operations of the waste management authorities and agencies on Tarawa. This review will include an assessment of institutional capacities, synergies and inter-linkages with the objective of delivering an efficient and sustainable waste management service. Revenue generation options to promote the financial sustainability of the services on Tarawa shall be a feature of the proposed review.

There is no shortage of provisions relating to waste management issues in the current laws of Kiribati. While it may be useful to consider the opportunities for recognising the role of the community in waste management under the laws of Kiribati, there would appear to be only limited scope for effective legislative action in this regard. The role of Local Government Councils is clear and this is effectively provided for the in the Local Government Act 1984. If the problem is one of planning, capacity or prioritisation, or any combination of these, then amendment to the laws of Kiribati is unlikely to provide an effective outcome.

The International Waters Programme is implementing the Strategic Action Plan for the countries of the South Pacific. Activities in Kiribati under the IWP are focused on waste management issues and the effects that waste disposal has on water supply and coastal waters. Pilot projects, particularly involving the Bikenibeu West Community, are proposed to address the fundamental causes of terrestrial derived wastes at community level. At a national level it is proposed to review the structure, functions and operations of the waste management authorities and agencies on Tarawa. This review will include an assessment of institutional capacities, synergies and inter-linkages with the objective of delivering an efficient and sustainable waste management service. Revenue generation options to promote the financial sustainability of the services on Tarawa shall be a feature of the proposed review.