Reducing single-use plastics (SUPs) and strengthening environmental stewardship in the Pacific’s tourism sector took centre stage during a panel discussion at the Third Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit (PSTLS), held in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga.
Under the theme “Environmental Stewardship through Tourism,” the panel session on Goal 4: Healthy Islands and Oceans of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework brought together experts, conservation partners, and government officials to discuss how the industry can protect the Pacific’s natural and cultural heritage while driving sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the panel discussion, the Project Coordination Officer for SPREP’s Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP), Dwayne Bentley, highlighted the Pacific’s growing efforts to curb plastic pollution through regional and national initiatives that directly engage the tourism industry.
“Plastic pollution remains one of the most pervasive environmental challenges worldwide, with plastics making up to 90% of litter collected on Pacific beaches and shorelines. The tourism and hospitality sectors, especially takeaway food, beverage, and accommodation businesses, are among the highest-risk sources. Through POLP, we’re working with our partners to help reduce these impacts and support a path towards a cleaner Pacific,” said Bentley.
The Pacific Marine Litter Action Plan underscores the urgent need for collective regional action to tackle plastic waste. This commitment was reinforced at the 2024 Clean Pacific Roundtable, where Pacific Island countries agreed to continue elevating the issue of plastic pollution and maintaining strong, coordinated measures.
POLP, implemented by SPREP with funding from the Australian Government, works closely with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), national tourism offices, and environment ministries to reduce single-use plastics in tourism.
The project supports policy and strategy development, provides alternatives and guidance for businesses and communities, and encourages consumers and operators across the Pacific to shift towards sustainable, plastic-free practices.
Other panellists included:
- Filimone Mate, Kaibu Foundation, Fiji – on strengthening synergies between tourism and conservation
- Penny Spoelder, SWITCH Asia – on integrating sustainable consumption, production, and circular economy principles
- Kimber Rilometo, Tourism Manager, Republic of the Marshall Islands – on his country’s leadership and commitments towards sustainable tourism
Miss Pacific Islands, Litara Ieremia Allan, moderated the session.
