Young people must take the lead in protecting Fiji’s environment and addressing the growing impacts of climate change, according to Minister for Information, Climate Change and Environment, Hon. Lynda Tabuya.
Speaking during an interview on the University of Fiji’s Vox Populi programme, Minister Tabuya outlined the government’s key priorities for environmental protection over the next 12 months while calling on young Fijians to become active champions of climate action.
She emphasized that youth engagement remains central to the government’s environmental agenda.
“Mobilising our youth in environmental protection and climate change advocacy is most important for government,” Minister Tabuya said.
The Minister highlighted that approximately 65 to 70 per cent of Fiji’s population consists of young people, making them essential partners in building a climate-resilient future.
She noted that environmental protection is closely linked to the everyday wellbeing of families, affecting health, employment, food security and livelihoods.
One of the government’s major achievements, she revealed, is securing FJ$52 million from the Green Climate Fund to support the Ridge to Reef Forest Landscape Restoration Project.
The initiative aims to restore 80,000 hectares of forest and agricultural land while protecting more than 90,000 hectares of coastal ecosystems, benefiting around 200,000 people across Fiji.
Minister Tabuya also encouraged young people to embrace renewable energy by adopting solar technology and electric vehicles, describing them as environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternatives.
Addressing Fiji’s climate resilience efforts, the Minister praised Pacific youth for their leadership in the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on climate change.
“It was Pacific-led, it was Pacific youth-led, and it resulted in an advisory opinion that said countries need to take climate action seriously,” she said.
She also announced that Fiji will host the Pacific Pre-COP meeting ahead of the global COP31 climate conference, providing young people with opportunities to showcase climate projects and participate in youth dialogues supported by international partners.
Minister Tabuya urged students to pursue careers in climate change, environmental protection and marine conservation, noting that the growing sector will create employment opportunities across government ministries.
She stressed that protecting forests, biodiversity and marine ecosystems requires collective responsibility, warning that poor waste management and deforestation continue to worsen flooding and coastal degradation.
“Please, young people, become stewards of ensuring that rubbish is not dumped in our rivers and our drains,” she urged.
The Minister also encouraged citizens to become advocates for environmental conservation by reducing plastic pollution and supporting sustainable practices.
“Become a plastic-free champion. Become a nuclear-free champion. Become a sustainable and greener Fiji champion,” she said.
Highlighting government initiatives to promote sustainability, Minister Tabuya pointed to the successful Return and Earn Fiji programme, which rewards communities for collecting recyclable plastic bottles and aluminium cans.
She said the initiative is not only reducing waste but also providing young people with opportunities to earn extra income.
The government is also offering tax incentives for businesses importing biodegradable packaging and recognising companies investing in environmentally friendly operations.
Minister Tabuya encouraged university students to participate in internship programmes within the Ministry, community clean-up campaigns and environmental advocacy projects.
“Bring your innovative policy ideas, your advocacy, your skills, your passion and your awareness. We need to work together,” she said.
In her closing message, the Minister reminded young people that they are already leaders capable of shaping Fiji’s future.
“You’re not the future leaders. You’re the leaders now,” she said. “We need you to be the voice and the change that protects our environment, our ocean and our future generations.”
The interview forms part of the University of Fiji’s ongoing Vox Populi programme, which provides a platform for national leaders to engage directly with students and the wider community on issues of national importance.
