Fiji's Pollution Crisis: Impact And Solutions For The Islands

Fiji is a developing country in the South Pacific that is facing a range of environmental issues, with pollution being one of the most pressing. The country's pollution problem is largely caused by poor waste disposal practices, including open burning of waste and improper sewage management, which have led to air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution. The impact of pollution on Fiji's environment and human health has been significant, with economic consequences as well.

Hazardous metal pollution

Elevated levels of lead, copper, zinc, and iron have been detected in the sediments of Suva Harbour, with concentrations up to 6.2, 3.9, 3.3, and 2.1 times the accepted background reference levels, respectively. Additionally, high levels of mercury have been reported in lagoon shellfish. These findings highlight the urgent need for two types of assessments: a thorough evaluation of the waste practices of upstream industries and an exposure and health impact assessment for the local population.

The persistence of hazardous metals in the environment is a significant concern. Unlike organic pollutants, metals do not biodegrade or biodeteriorate, leading to long-lasting environmental toxicity. Their tendency to bioaccumulate and their toxicity at low concentrations further exacerbate the problem. Surface dumping of hazardous metals exposes them to air and rain, generating acid drainage that pollutes farmland and water sources. As a result, plants absorb these metals, leading to their accumulation in the tissues of animals, marine organisms, and even lactating females' milk. Human exposure occurs through the consumption of contaminated water, plants, and animal meat, causing differential effects on the neurological system and biochemistry.

The impacts of hazardous metal pollution extend beyond Fiji, with similar data from neighbouring countries in the Pacific region, including the Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu, indicating elevated levels of hazardous metals in their environments. The general population in these countries may also be unaware of the potential dangers.

To address this critical issue, government, non-government, and academic institutions must collaborate with the Ministry of Health to investigate hazardous metal pollution and its effects on human health. With the effects of climate change already evident in Fiji and the region, raising public awareness about the connections between the environment and human health is crucial.

Poor sewage management

The inadequate sewage management has direct consequences on the well-being of Fiji's communities. The contamination of freshwater sources has led to outbreaks of enteric diseases and typhoid. With the livelihoods and economy of Fiji closely tied to the health of the marine environment, especially in industries such as fishing and tourism, sewage pollution has far-reaching negative impacts.

The Fijian government has recognized the urgency of the situation. In 2013, the Ministry of Health called for improved sanitation practices, leading to the initiation of the WASH Koro Project. This multi-agency project, involving the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA), aimed to empower Fijian villages to address their water supply, sanitation, and hygiene needs through community-led initiatives. The project resulted in the development of innovative wastewater treatment technologies, such as the ecoVIP2 toilet, a waterless, dual-chamber ventilated latrine that promotes waste decomposition within the pit.

The ecoVIP2 toilet has proven to be more efficient and effective than traditional flush toilets and septic tank systems. It does not require piped water or energy, making it more sustainable and cost-effective. Families using these toilets received training on maintenance and best practices, ensuring their proper use and care. The success of the WASH Koro Project and the adoption of the ecoVIP2 toilet technology are positive steps towards improving sewage management in Fiji and mitigating the environmental and health risks associated with inadequate sanitation systems.

Plastic waste

Fiji is an archipelago of over 300 islands, with a large exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that comprises over 10% of the world's ocean. This ocean provides vital ecosystem services, underpinning the region's economic sustainability. However, plastic pollution, including microplastics, poses a severe threat to marine life and, by extension, the livelihoods of Fijians.

The nation's fisheries sector and other fishing industries in the Southeast Pacific contribute to marine plastic pollution through abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, known as ALDFG. This gear can continue to trap fish and crustaceans, impacting the fishing industry and ensnaring other species. Additionally, plastic waste from land-based sources, such as improper disposal and open burning, ends up in the ocean, further contributing to the problem.

The impact of plastic pollution on Fiji's marine environment is significant. Microplastics have been found in the flesh of marine species, and certain plastic chemicals have been identified in drinking water and plant leaves irrigated by polluted streams. While not yet scientifically proven, there are concerns that the high rates of cancer and diabetes in Fiji may be linked to the presence of plastic in the environment.

To address plastic pollution, Fiji has implemented initiatives such as the Plastic Pollution-Free Fiji Campaign and the Plastic Waste Free Islands (PWFI) Project. These campaigns aim to raise awareness, promote partnerships with corporate sectors, and engage with institutions to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags and provide options for recycling plastic bottles. The nation has also banned single-use plastics, although this does not include water bottles due to limited access to clean drinking water outside the main cities and the economic importance of the bottled water industry.

Despite these efforts, the management of plastic waste in Fiji remains challenging. The country has limited waste management infrastructure, with only one sanitary landfill and two municipal dumps serving the entire archipelago. As a result, open burning of plastic waste is common, releasing toxic substances into the environment and contributing to health issues among Fijians.

The complex reality of waste management in Fiji is exemplified by the village of waste collectors in Lautoka, the country's second-largest city. Here, residents, including elderly women like Asinate Lewabeka, sort through mountains of garbage to collect recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, earning a modest income. While some bottles are recycled, much of the plastic waste ends up in the open-air landfill, where it accumulates and clogs the site.

To improve waste management and reduce plastic pollution, Fiji is actively engaged in global negotiations for a legally binding agreement. The nation recognizes the urgent need for more ambitious action to address the global plastic crisis and is committed to working towards a solution that addresses the full life cycle of plastic pollution.

Deforestation

Historically, deforestation in Fiji began over 3500 years ago when the first native Polynesians and Melanesians inhabited the islands. The arrival of European colonists further exacerbated the problem as they cleared land for commercial agriculture, particularly sugar cane production. British colonisation resulted in the clearing of vast areas of land, and even after colonisation ended, deforestation continued due to agricultural expansion, logging, and urban development. The Fijian government also played a role in deforestation by clearing forests to make room for government-sponsored economic projects such as banana, sugar cane, and cocoa plantations.

The short-term nature of timber licenses issued by the government has also contributed to the problem. License holders tend to maximise their extraction during the license period, leading to excessive tree removal. In addition, Fiji's system of property rights has been a source of conflict, with indigenous Fijian communities, who own 87% of forested areas, often clashing with the government over land rights and revenue distribution.

The consequences of deforestation in Fiji are far-reaching. Soil erosion, caused by the removal of tree cover, has led to the pollution of nearby waters and the shallowing of rivers. This, in turn, has contributed to cyclonic storms that plague the region for several months of the year. Deforestation has also resulted in a loss of habitat for many endemic species, and it has negatively impacted local communities by reducing their access to valuable forest resources and increasing their vulnerability to flooding during the wet season.

Furthermore, deforestation has had a significant impact on global climate change. The cutting down of tropical forests contributes to the release of large amounts of CO2, with deforestation estimated to emit roughly 16% of global warming greenhouse gases.

Overall, deforestation has had a detrimental effect on Fiji's environment and communities. It has led to economic concerns, environmental degradation, and contributed to global climate change. Efforts to address this issue are crucial for the long-term sustainability and well-being of Fiji and its people.

Water pollution

Fiji's water pollution issues are largely due to poor waste disposal practices. The country's citizens have failed to properly dispose of liquid and solid waste, leading to conflicts with the environment. This has resulted in pollution of both freshwater sources and international waters.

One of the main issues is sewage pollution, which has led to enteric diseases and typhoid outbreaks in Fiji's communities. The country's sewage infrastructure is inadequate, with pervasive leaks and a lack of maintenance causing clogging, leaking, and surface pooling. This presents significant health risks to exposed communities and environmental risks for surface and groundwater, beaches, and marine environments. The problem is particularly acute along the southeastern "coral coast" of Viti Levu, where growing village populations have resulted in increased wastewater generation.

In addition to sewage, industrial waste and agricultural runoff also contribute to water pollution in Fiji. Hazardous metals, such as lead, copper, zinc, and iron, have been found in sediments in the Suva Harbour at levels significantly higher than accepted background reference levels. High levels of mercury have also been reported in lagoon shellfish. This pollution is believed to come from industries located upstream from the estuaries. Pesticides, oil, and other hazardous pollutants have also been dumped into waterways, further degrading water quality.

The impact of water pollution on Fiji's marine environment has significant economic implications for the country, as fishing and tourism are important sectors. The destruction of coral reefs, for example, not only affects marine life but also the livelihoods of those who depend on the sea for their income.

To address these issues, Fiji has implemented initiatives such as the WASH Koro Project, which aims to improve water supply, sanitation, and hygiene in Fijian villages. The project has led to the development of innovative wastewater technologies, such as the ecoVIP2 toilet, a waterless, dual-chamber ventilated latrine that promotes waste decomposition. However, despite these efforts, water pollution remains a significant challenge for Fiji, and more needs to be done to protect the country's water resources and the communities that depend on them.

Frequently asked questions