From Policy to Action: HWPL and Lautoka Launch Monthly 'Peace Zone Plogging Project' in Fiji

Can environmental stewardship strengthen community peace in a newly declared "City of Peace"?

On October 24, 2026, Shirley Park in Lautoka, Fiji became the launching ground for a new civic initiative: the "Peace Zone Plogging Project." Co-hosted by HWPL Global Branch 11 and the Lautoka City Council (LCC), the event brought together over 150 participants from 10 regional youth, religious, and sports organizations.

This initiative follows the historic MOU signed between HWPL and Lautoka City Council in June, as well as the city’s landmark resolution on July 21 adopting support for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)—making Lautoka the first municipality in Oceania to pass such a resolution and declare itself a "City of Peace."

Unveiling the 'Peace Zone' Signpost

A central highlight of the launch was the official unveiling of the "Peace Zone" signpost, which embodies Article 10 of the DPCW—Spreading a Culture of Peace.

Following the ceremony, volunteers engaged in plogging (picking up litter while jogging/walking) across Shirley Park and surrounding municipal areas. The initiative received official logo endorsement from Fiji's Ministry of Youth and Sports, highlighting strong governmental backing for youth civic engagement.

Local Voices: Unity Through Community Action

Civic leaders and local volunteers emphasized how environmental cleanup fosters grassroots solidarity:

"Today's activity opened our eyes to how even children can participate in environmental cleanup and contribute to peace efforts. We encourage youth groups to take an even more active role in partnering with HWPL and the city council."

— Taitusi Rasoki, Chief Executive Officer, Lautoka City Council

"What struck me most was seeing people of different religions and backgrounds coming together to help one another. This is how we build peace."

— Yashneel Kumar, Volunteer

Sustaining the Movement Through June 2027

The Peace Zone Plogging Project is not a one-off event. HWPL, the Lautoka City Council, and local youth organizations have established a long-term monthly rotation schedule, ensuring that local youth groups take turns leading environmental cleanup efforts through June 2027.

Through practical civic actions like plogging, HWPL and the city of Lautoka are proving that institutional resolutions can directly translate into tangible, daily peacebuilding within local communities.

Source: https://vo.la/qGjZPNg