Noa with members of the Sema group, joined by Columban parish priest Father Vincent Ratman and Pacific Recycling Foundation representative Shivanjali Singh. Photo: Noa Mervyn Tuivunilagi
“The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.” – Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ (21)
The release of the 2025–2026 Fiji National Budget, though not immediately obvious to all, appears to prioritise landfill expansion over recycling. A total of $2.36 million has been allocated to fund a new cell at the Naboro Waste Disposal Facility, while no funding has been set aside for recycling facilities or infrastructure. This approach has left the responsibility of recycling to communities themselves, a move that has drawn criticism from environmental advocates. During budget deliberations, Fijian parliamentarian Inia Seruiratu also noted with concern that the budget lacked climate-smart investments.
At the grassroots, community-run initiatives now stand at a critical crossroads. One such example is Sema, a recycling and livelihood program at St Pius X Parish in Raiwaqa, a Columban parish. On August 21, 2025, the JPIC Ministry visited Raiwaqa Parish to meet with Father Vincent Ratman and parish leaders Emily and Claire, who have been instrumental in mobilising the Sema group. The encounter explored ways of strengthening the parish’s recycling initiatives and complementing the important work already underway.
Sema, supported by the Columbans since its inception five years ago, has engaged its 12 members in creative recycling-based activities. These include running a nursery, weaving baskets out of newspapers, and repurposing household items into goods for sale. The group has also fundraised to support the wider parish community. Yet, like many grassroots efforts, Sema continues to face the familiar challenge of limited access to resources.
It is in this context that the collaboration between the JPIC Ministry and the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) takes on added significance. As part of this partnership, PRF will support the establishment of a waste segregation and recycling facility within the parish grounds. This facility has the potential to be transformative, not only by enabling more efficient recycling practices but also by setting a model for faith-based communities across Fiji. For JPIC, the collaboration strengthens its mission of linking care for creation with faith and justice; for PRF, it reflects its commitment to building partnerships at the community level that advance sustainable waste management.
The JPIC Ministry is encouraged by the commitment of Raiwaqa parishioners and looks forward to planning future programs that not only advance recycling but also embody the wider mission of justice, peace, and care for creation. The Ministry warmly acknowledges the leadership and support of Columban Father Vincent, whose guidance and support makes this vital work possible.
Noa Mervyn Tuivunilagi is the JPIC Coordinator for the Region of Oceania.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban PEJ eBulletin
