There is a major drive to get more people in Niue to compost, rather than burn, their waste.
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program is implementing the pilot project, with at least 200 families in seven villages being targeted to get involved.
SPREP's Lusiana Ralogaivau says the adoption of compost techniques will help reduce harmful chemicals in the Pacific region.
She says composting will also build healthy soils and a sustainable source of food for a country that relies heavily on agriculture, protecting natural ecosystems, and being part of the climate change mitigation solution.
SPREP representatives meet with Niue community Photo: supplied
The co-ordinator of the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community, who is also working on the pilot, Karen Mapusua, says the hardest part of composting is changing behaviours so it becomes part of the household routine.
She says she's excited about promoting composting for waste management because it helps islanders protect the health of their soil and reconnect with the ways of their ancestors.
