A feature story by University of the South Pacific (USP) journalism student Riya Bhagwan has won the Online Category at the 2024 Vision Pasifika Media Awards – Cleaner Pacific, earning recognition for highlighting Fiji’s growing plastic pollution crisis.
Riya’s award-winning story, Behind the stalled progress in Fiji’s plastic pollution battle, examines how plastic waste poses severe risks to human health and the environment — risks expected to rise if urgent action is not taken.
Speaking to The Australia Today, Riya said she was “truly honoured and overjoyed” by the recognition. “This achievement is not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for the entire USP Journalism cohort — a reminder for all of us to keep striving for excellence,” she said.
“I’m grateful for the chance to be part of an initiative that amplifies local voices and allows students like me to showcase our work.”
Launched during the 7th Pacific Media Summit by Niue’s Prime Minister, Dalton Tagelagi, the Vision Pasifika Media Awards celebrate excellence in environmental journalism across the Pacific region.
SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra said Pacific media plays a vital role in raising awareness about waste management and pollution. “We are drowning under a sea of waste! The media not only informs and educates communities but also acts as a bridge between government officials and the public,” he said.
“These awards recognise that critical role and celebrate our collective commitment to addressing the plastic pollution crisis.”
Expressing her gratitude, Riya thanked the USP Journalism teaching team — Head of Journalism Dr Shailendra B. Singh and Teaching Assistant Monika Singh — for their “constant guidance and support.”
“Heartfelt appreciation also goes to my family, friends, and colleagues for their unwavering encouragement — this achievement would not have been possible without their support.”
Other winners included Moffat Mamu of the Solomon Star, who won the Print category for Managing Solid Waste in Gizo a tough task; Joeli Tikomaimaleya of Fiji TV, who took home the Television award for his story on the Vatuwaqa Rugby Club’s community clean-up efforts; and Niko Ratumaimuri of USP, who received the Student Journalism Award for highlighting youth calls for a plastic-free Fiji.
The awards are facilitated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in partnership with the Government of Australia, Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP), Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC), and the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA).
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
