Author: Manaini Rokotuivuna

Jun 08

Plastic Bags Phase Out Initiative

Pacific Leaders declared 2017 as the Pacific Year for the Ocean. The ocean represents the largest ecosystem and life support system on our planet. Our Pacific Ocean plays a vital role in our lives and economy. Its health is paramount for our survival and prosperity.
One of the major threats to our oceans’ health is the proliferation of plastic waste.
This by-product of urbanization and commercialization is detrimental to the health of the oceans and all life that it supports. Information available today reveals that the opulence of oceans are severely undermined from plastic waste, and although we understand that this is a global issue, we also believe that we need to play our part and work towards ensuring that plastic waste sourced by our cities, towns and villages are minimized, if not totally eradicated.
The issue of plastic waste is also addressed in at least three sustainable development goals.
A partnership of concerned organisations has developed around this issue and we would like to bring on board the private sector to take the lead to bring about the desired changes on terms that are favourable to the sector, rather than having these imposed. At the consultation we would like to reach an agreement on acceptable timelines and a preferred process for such a plastic bag phase out and move towards a pathway of more responsible clean and green packaging in Fiji.

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Jun 07

World Oceans Day

Today marks World Oceans Day with the theme – “Our Oceans, Our Future”. The focus is on encouraging solutions to plastic pollution and preventing marine litter for a healthier ocean and a better future.

It is indeed a memorable day as it also coincides with the United Nations Conference on Oceans being held in New York. In 2015, the 193 U.N. member states adopted an agenda of 17 goals for the world’s sustainable development up to 2030. This high-level UN Conference to Support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development convened at the UN Headquarters in New York from 5th June 2017. It also coincides with World Environment Day (June 5). The Governments of Fiji and Sweden are co-hosting this Conference.

This is a proud moment for all of us and whilst our PM is creating ripples at the conference; I am proud to say that UniFiji is now very well placed to partake in this “Call for Action” towards fulfilling various aspects of SDG 14. This is greatly attributed to the USAID funded UniFiji PACAM Project. Through this Project, the University now has the capacity to carry out benthic habitat mapping in Fiji and the region. As part of our commitments to this “Call for Action”, the Project Team has submitted a briefing paper to the UN Oceans Conference – outlining our Project and its relevance in accordance with SDG 14. In the words of Matt Bevin, an American politician, “While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things is extraordinary”.

One of the major threats to our oceans’ health is the proliferation of plastic waste. This by-product of urbanization and industrialization is detrimental to the health of the oceans and the great biodiversity that it supports.The School of Science and Technology will participate and present at the Plastic Phase Out consultations that will take place on 12th and 13th of June at Suva, Fiji. This is another great effort by the University of Fiji in making a transition towards a more sustainable green economy.

So this World Oceans Day let us all take a pledge that we will in our own ways create small ripples by focusing on proper plastic disposal so that we are able to reduce plastic pollution and contribute towards a healthier Oceania for all of US!

Briefing Paper – UN Oceans Conference| United Nations, New York, 5 – 9 June 2017

Consultation Towards a Clean & Green Packaging Future

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Apr 07

World Water Day 2017 – University of Fiji Celebrations

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Keynote speaker Mr. Sekove Uluinayau from the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) delivering his address.
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Oratory Contest Winner (centre) Meresamoavi of Nawai Secondary School with members of the School of Science & Technology (SoST)

 

World Water Day is held annually on the 22nd of March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

To commemorate this day, School of Science & Technology organized World Water Day Celebrations at its Saweni Campus on Friday the 31st of March. Keynote speaker for the day was General Manager Customer Services at the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) – Mr. Sekove Uluinayau who represented WAF on behalf of the CEO.

World Water Day celebrations this year highlighted the theme “Wastewater” and the campaign, ‘Why waste water?’ which is about reducing and reusing wastewater. Water is a shared resource and its management needs to take into account a wide variety of conflicting interests.

By inviting schools around the western division to participate in the World Water Day celebrations through the organized Oratory and Poster competitions, the University provided an opportunity for students to come together and emphasize as well as create awareness on the need for the proper management of water resources.

A total of 16 schools from around the Western division were represented during the celebrations with participating students showing exemplary skills and creativity in the Oratory contest and Poster competitions.

The University congratulates the Winners and their schools in the respective competitions and looks forward to hosting these celebrations again in the coming year.

Oratory Winner – Meresamoavi Ravula (Nawai Secondary School)

Oratory Runner-Up – Litiana Satala (St.Thomas High School)

Poster Winner – Luisa (Nadi Muslim College)
2nd Place – Xavier College
3rd Place – Saileen Prasad of Pundit Vishnu Deo Memorial College

 

Apr 06

Sub-Strategic Plan Evaluation Training Session

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Figure 1 Vice-Chancellor Professor Misir with staff, explaining the importance of sub-sub strategic plan.

 

Strategic plan is an important aspect in the University and it is vital that staff is made aware of its purpose, says Vice-Chancellor, Professor Prem Misir.

Speaking at the strategic plan evaluation training session for staff of the University, Prof Misir highlighted different aspects of strategic planning and how these aspects will help develop a better sub-strategic or sub-sub-strategic plan.

“It’s really a way of trying to show the location of the evaluation process and that location is ground zero. Many people think that the strategic plan is evaluated but instead it is the specific plans which come under the sub-sub strategic plans, which is evaluated. We are trying to find out whether there is a coordinated link among the strategic priorities, goals, objectives (which need to measurable), strategies, Key Point Indicators (KPIs) and the targets,” he said.

Mr Neeraj Sharma, of the Computer Science and IT Department said that it was important to know how to create a sub-strategic or sub-sub-strategic plan as this would act as a to-do-list where in 5 years, one should forecast where the department or school would stand.

“Another important aspect highlighted by the VC was in regards to reviewing, usually, strategic plans are reviewed on a quarterly basis but since this is a new initiative it is important to review it on a monthly basis to see the progress of the goals set out,” he commented.

He further stated that the workshop was quite helpful in guiding them to creating the sub-strategic and sub-sub strategic plans using the right matrix.

“It is important to follow the outline in order of the strategic priority as this will highlight the important things that need to be achieved within the 5 year period,” he said.

Ms Sanjaleen Prasad said that the deliberation created awareness on the 3 key challenges confronting higher education, that is, impact of new communication, research and teaching technologies, the need to change the traditional academic structure and seeking adaptive and flexible links between the University, industry and the economy.

“The sub strategic plan can be further modified to incorporate the three pillars mentioned and these are interdisciplinary, internalization and academic industry collaboration. The School and Department Strategic Plans can focus on these and provide a pathway towards achieving these for the University to flourish and grow further in the next five years,” she explained.

After the discussion it was decided that there would be monthly evaluations of the sub-strategic and sub-sub strategic plans.