Problem overview:

     Policies and measures: In Fiji, a cement factory has been causing severe air pollution from dust particles from production of cement. Local communities have been complaining about the problem for years but there was no change. Until, a new government stepped in and took charge of pollution management.

Background in summary:

     Cement factory in Fiji caused air pollution problem: Fiji industries Ltd., a cement manufacturing company has been operating a cement plant in Lami, Suva, Fiji for many years. Despite repeated requests from the local municipal council and the public to control dust emissions from the cement kiln chimney, the company was not able to comply. When the current Minister for Environment took office in 1995 he approached the Cement Company to effectively control the dust emissions.

     Studies were conducted to find the best solution for abatement: The company undertook studies to determine the optimum solution to the problem and decided to switch to a new bag filter system. The Company briefed the Minister of its intentions. However, the equipment for the filtration installation was extremely expensive. The Company submitted a case for the government to provide concessions on duty, based on the company's willingness to invest substantially to meet an important social duty.

     Assistance from the government: With the support of the Minister for Environment, the Minister of Finance responded positively and this resulted in the Company importing and installing a state of art filtration system in the chimney while making significant savings for the Company.

     Today, solid discharge from the chimney is below measurable limits. They cannot normally be detected.

Peer Review Committee Good practice rating: (1 for the best, 5 for the lowest score)
Sustainability		Efficiency
2	Improvement in either the environment of economic condition with no harm to the other.	2	Cost efficient.
2	Sustainable over time (not one-off)	Process
Adaptability		2	Participation of the community
2	Location adaptability (can the project be done in other places?)	2	Participation of resource owners/users
2	Socio-cultural adaptability.	2	Partnerships between various actors (Governments, NGO, Academia, Private)
2	Level of development adaptability.	2	Degree of coordination and cooperation between government departments.
2	Style of government adaptability.	2	Ability to attract political interest/support
2	Degree of decentralization adaptability.	2	Procedures for feedback and review.
Comments on this example:      This example demonstrates how every stakeholder plays an important role in improving environmental conditions while maintaining the economic development level. Local communities initiated the complaint that there is a need for abatement. The government responded and took action. There is a very impressive cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Finance. Also, there was the willingness to comply by the cement factory. Everything worked out well with no sign of conflict. In the end, every party was satisfied with the solution. Sustainability of the project:   Adaptability of the project to other situations:       The idea is adaptable to almost any situation as long as the industry and the government can agree to terms and conditions. Process of decision making and implementation:      Policies and measures: The industrial sector has always been blamed for causing pollution. Although their images are at stake, they are still not making any improvements. Why? Because of insufficient budget. This is especially true in the case of developing countries. Many industries in developing countries are making profit only enough to cover fixed costs. Allocating budget for installing pollution abatement machinery seems impossible. However, with support from the government, policies could be made to help reduce taxes on environmental friendly machinery, or loans could be granted for purchases of such machinery, etc. Cost efficiency: