Towards Osaka Blue Ocean Vision - G20 Implementation Framework for Actions on Marine Plastic Litter

Fiji

Actions and Progress on Marine Plastic Litter
Last Update : 2026/08/19

Policy Framework

National Action Plan

Name: National Ocean Policy 2020 - 2030
 
Brief Description:
The policy intends to support, synergies, promote and establish best practice standards for oceans management within the Fijian Government and for all relevant stakeholder groups including community groups, non-government organizations and, the private sector. The policy charts a path to the strengthening of sectoral polices and legislations based on identified gaps, lessons learned from national implementation, evolving international good practices, and recent international developments and commitment.

Legal framework

Name:

  1. Environment Management Act 2005
  2. Environment Management (Amendment) Act 2020 [Section 45 B)
  3. Environment Management (Exempt Plastic Bags) Regulations 2021
  4. Customs (Prohibited Imports and Exports) (Amendment) Regulations 2012
  5. Customs (Prohibited Imports and Exports) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 & 2022
  6. Environment Management (Waste Disposal and Recycling) Regulations 2007
  7. Litter Act 2008
  8. Litter (Amendment) Act 2010

 
Brief Description:
The above Acts and Regulations provide legal frameworks to address and combat issues of MPL. These legislations enable the Ministry of Environment to regulate the use, import/export, manufacture, distributions and retail of single use plastic bags, other plastics and Styrofoam. Through these legislations issues of littering and waste management by individuals and facilities are also addressed and regulated. The Ministry of Environments’ internal policy such as the “7R” (Reduce, Rethink, Refuse, Reuse, Repurpose/Repair, Recycling and Recover) help manage waste and enhance circular economy.

Indicators

Since the ban of the single use plastic bags came into effect, there has been a reduction in the amount plastic floating with EEZ.
Also, there has been a decrease in plastic litter observed along the coastal areas. Similarly, the Polystyrene ban has led to a reduction in Styrofoam products within the EEZ and coastal areas.

Measures

Measures Achievements
Introduce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) No
Reduce single-use plastic (shopping bags, straws etc.) by regulations or voluntary measures Yes
Restrict microplastics for cosmetics etc. No
Improve waste management recycling system Yes
Conduct clean-up activities for rivers and coasts Yes
Take action on fishing gear Yes
Install capturing trap/filter on drainage/river Yes
Promote innovative solutions Yes
Boost multi-stakeholder involvement and awareness-raising Yes
Share scientific information and knowledge: R&D and monitoring Yes
Participate in international cooperation through international organizations, multi-national groups, etc. Yes
Target region supported by your international cooperation initiatives/projects:
Southeast Asia 		Yes
Target region supported by your international cooperation initiatives/projects:
Africa 		No
Target region supported by your international cooperation initiatives/projects:
Latin America 		No
Measures Achievements
Prevention and reduction of plastic waste generation
Charge for single-use plastic products (e.g. shopping bags, straws)

Names of Actions:

  1. The import of plastic bags (made up of whole or part polyethylene) less than 50 microns has been banned.
  2. Charges range from 10-50 cents on a plastic bags >50 microns at check-out counters in supermarkets.
  3. Polystyrene ban

Targeted Products:

  1. Polyethylene (Plastic) bags with thickness of less than 50 microns.
  2. Polystyrene products (containers, cups, plates, and trays)
  3. Plastic bags >50 microns

Brief Description:

  1. Since 1st January 2020, plastic bags with thickness of less than 50 microns and a made up of whole or part polyethylene are no longer manufactured, distributed or sold in Fiji. The only exceptions are those used for packaging products and garbage bags. In addition to this, non- biodegradable plastics are not allowed into Fiji unless it is used for food and beverage preservation, pharmaceutical or medical use and for packaging for products for exporting or re- exporting. Members of the public need to obtain the consent of the Department of Environment for the import of any plastic.
  2. Since January 1, 2021, the import/export of polystyrene (Styrofoam) containers, cups, plates, and trays have been banned. Further to this, from August 2021, the manufacture, sale, supply and distribution of all polystyrene containers, cups, plates, and trays have been stopped.
  3. Plastic bags of thickness >50 microns are charged between 10 cents-50 cents and used as check-out bags in markets are locally manufactured.
 We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years
Actions for encouraging sustainable /circular product design

Names of Actions:

  1. Zero Waste Ambition Pledge by businesses
  2. Recycling on the Go (ROG) Programme with Schools
  3. Recognizing Recycling Heroes
  4. Launching of the 7R Policy by the Ministry of Environment.
  5. Outreach programmes on the 3Rs.(Reuse, Recycling, Reduce)
  6. Zero plastic pledge by commercial facilities
  7. Community advocacy and awareness programmes.

Brief Description:

  1. Honoring business with a pledge on ‘Voluntary Commitment towards a “Zero-Waste Ambition”
  2. Launch of a pilot project in Schools on waste separation, recycling and proper disposal.
  3. Recognition of individuals and community groups efforts in reducing wastes through recycling initiatives.
  4. Launch of the “7R” Policy to support the circular economy initiatives during Global Recycling Day.
  5. 3R Projects at community levels on waste management.
  6. Commitment by businesses to switch from plastic to paper products.
  7. Raising community awareness and advocacy amongst communities and settlements on recycling and waste management.
 We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years
Environmentally sound waste management
Enforcement of proper waste management system

Names of Actions:

  1. Litter Prevention Officer Trainings
  2. School and Community based trainings on Waste Management
  3. Monitoring and compliance on single use plastic bag sales
  4. Issuance of Waste Disposal Permit and Waste Recycling Permit, and Plastic Import Permits with conditions.
  5. Non-compliance notices issued to commercial and industrial operating without permits/breaching environment regulations.
  6. Media Outreach on waste management and pollution control issues.
  7. Waste and Pollution Control Roundtables with commercial/industrial facilities.

Brief Description:

  1. Enforcement training for the public officers and non-public officers and local authorities to be Litter Prevention Officers on the ground, and to help enforce the Litter Act.
  2. Community and Schools based trainings/workshops to better manage waste/composting and proper disposal.
  3. Regular compliance inspections are carried out to ensure banned plastic bags are not in circulation. Offenders are prosecuted.
  4. All commercial and industrial facilities are required by law to obtain relevant Waste Disposal Permits and Waste Recycling Permits.
  5. National and International commemorated days are used as outreach tools in the communities and general public on waste management issues.
  6. Roundtables/meetings with commercial/industrial facilities to create awareness on the permits required by facilities.
  7. Non-compliance notices issued to facilities operating without permits.
 We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years
Prevention of littering, illegal dumping and unintentional leakage of waste into the ocean

Names of Actions:

  1. Permit System (Waste Disposal Permits, Waste Recycling Permits) issued by the Department of Environment
  2. Litter Prevention Officer Trainings
  3. Installation Anti-Litter Signage Boards
  4. Clean-up Campaigns along the foreshore/coastal areas.
  5. Community awareness on Anti-Litter laws and illegal dumpling
  6. Issuance of Prohibition Notices and Non-Compliance Notices by the Department of Environment to facilities with illegal operations.

Brief Description:

  1. All commercial and industrial facilities are required to have a Waste Disposal Permit or Waste Recycling Permits to minimize and manage wastes.
  2. Prohibition Notices and Non Compliance Notices are issued to facilities causing a threat or risk to the environment (intentional/unintentional discharge and disposal of waste to the environment) or operating facilities without relevant permits.
 We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years
Cleanup of marine plastic litter
Collection of scattered waste on beach

Names of Actions:

  1. Clean Up Campaign are carried out by communities, businesses along the foreshore/coastal areas
  2. Anti-litter sign boards on picnic areas/beaches
  3. Provision of skip-bins in strategic places

Brief Description:

  1. A lot of awareness and advocacy on proper waste management is created amongst Fijians through media.
 We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years
Removal of plastic litter from the ocean

Names of Actions:
Collection of MPL washed onshore.

Brief Description:
Fiji as a nation surrounded by oceans is recipient of many MPL that are transboundary in nature. These MPL are washed on-shore due to the tidal movements and are collected during clean-up campaigns.

We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years
Promotion of innovative solutions
Policy actions for encouraging plastic alternatives (e.g. biodegradable plastics, circular product design – including use of recycled materials or closed-loop recycling)

Names of Actions:

  1. National Oceans Policy
  2. 7R Policy
  3. Clean Environment Policy

Brief Description:

  1. As a result of the plastic ban, business houses are importing alternatives.
  2. Women’s groups and a number of business houses engaged in producing eco bags and are sold in shopping outlets and markets.
 We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years
Public-private partnerships for creating and implementing innovative solution

Names of Actions:

  1. Zero Waste Ambition by Businesses
  2. Partnerships with Recycling Companies to create awareness and trainings/workshops

Brief Description:

  1. Allowing voluntary commitments towards a Zero Waste Ambition to be taken up by businesses.
  2. Working with Recycling companies to provide trainings and awareness to waste recycling heroes.
 We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years
Education and awareness raising
Education system for encouraging public awareness on MPL issues

If yes, give a brief description of your efforts related to education:
 
The importance of the oceans to sustain livelihoods, proper waste (plastics) disposal/management and keeping our oceans clean are part of the school curriculum.

We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years
Awareness-raising campaigns related to MPL

National Level:
Names of Actions:

  1. Commemoration of World Environment Day, World Recycling Day, World Clean Up Day

Brief Description:

  1. Awareness campaigns are driven towards different levels of targeted audiences depending on the themes of the commemorated days.

Local Level:
Names of Actions:

  1. Community outreach and enforcement trainings for communities on waste management.
  2. Providing support to communities for clean-up campaigns.

Brief Description:

  1. Awareness campaigns and cleanup initiatives are supported to sensitize the public on proper waste management and clean environment.

International / Regional Level:
Names of Actions:
Raising concerns through international and regional platforms on increasing MPL.

Brief Description:
Fiji called for a legally binding instrument to address plastic pollution and will continue to actively engage with countries to address the issue.

National Level:
 
Comments:
The general public are becoming more aware of the laws and environmental issues around them. Knowledge is also evident through the number of complaints relating environmental law breaches and crimes being registered.

Local Level:
We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years

International / Regional Level:
We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years
Monitoring & Scientific research on marine plastic litter
Actions for encouraging monitoring / scientific research on plastic flows and ocean surface micro plastics

Names of Actions:

  1. Engaging with academic institutions and academics.
 We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years

Challenges

● Data collection related to marine plastic litter

● Project delays due to COVID-19

Best Practices

National Level

To address waste management issues in Fiji, the government through Parliament passed a number of Amendment to the Acts and Regulations to help reduce/minimize the waste generated in Fiji.

Legal Frameworks have been put in place for the import, local manufacture, distribution and sale of plastics with thickness of less than 50 microns. The initiative has greatly improved the control of plastics locally and the environment as a whole.

The ban on polystyrene (Styrofoam) products are specific to food packaging products including take-away food containers, cups and plates. This has also been carried out successfully through vigorous enforcement and spot checks resulting in businesses having introduced alternative food packaging products nationwide.

The 7R Policy by the Ministry of Environment support Government’s commitments towards a Circular Economy, and internalizing the concept into the enforcement of the Environment Management Act 2005 and its subsequent Regulations. The Clean Environment Policy focuses on maintaining a cleaner environment through anti-litter campaigns in partnership with stakeholders.

Local Level

The Ministry of Environment has supported clean-up campaigns and collaborated with Recycling Companies to create awareness and advocacy.
The Ministry also carries out enforcement of the relevant regulations/laws to combat MPL issues.

Private Sector

Public private partnership has been strengthened through pledges and commitments by individuals and businesses to reduce their operational wastes and explore recycling options.

International Cooperation

The Fiji Government (with Ministry of Environment as the focal point) in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in its efforts to promote waste management through recycling programs piloted Waste Management projects (extended to 11 municipalities). The project targeted a number of identified communities and schools to promote waste separation, composting and to assist municipalities in establishing their recycling system pathways. The 3R concept was widely promoted through the project. The Ministry of Environment is also working with Regional organizations to address waste management issues.

Contact Details

Ms. Sandeep K. Singh
Director of Environment
Ministry of Environment, Fiji
singhsk@govnet.gov.fj

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