SPTO’s Pacific Tourism Waste Action Initiative (PTWAI) reaches Rotuma Island

The Pacific Tourism Organisation concluded its 3- day plastics repurposing training workshop for Rotuma Island on 30th March 2022 as part of its Pacific Tourism Waste Action Initiative.  Held in Ahau and facilitated by local Fijian artist Mr. Warwick Marlow, the training introduced new crafting skills and provided tools for the women to create jewellery and other decorative items.

Addressing plastic waste management requires collective action and commitment from all. “The women are so grateful for this workshop as it will not only benefit their families but Rotuma as a whole because we won’t be seeing any plastic bottles lying around now after this workshop,” said Hangat Ta Makerat Susau, President of the Rotuma Women Association.

In opening the training, SPTO CEO, Mr. Christopher Cocker welcomed the Chiefs, Government dignitaries and participants and acknowledged the funding support of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji. “It is important that in this new normal, the link between sustainable development and our natural environment is strengthened. The PTWAI provides participants with new income-generating skills and instils a renewed sense of environmental stewardship across our communities”, he said.

With the funding support of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji, the workshop benefitted 25 Rotuman women representing the 7 districts on the island. The PTWAI has reached 4 communities in Fiji and 5 other countries (Tuvalu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) within the Pacific region since the pilot project in Tuvalu in 2019.

For more information on the PTWAI programme, click here.