Q — Tell us a little about yourself? Who are you and what are you passionate about?
My name is Ahmed Kouki, I work for the Kativik Regional Government in the environment section within the department of Renewable Resources. My role is to provide technical assistance to Northern Villages, more specifically coordinating the management of residual materials.
Q — Can you tell us more about the positive achievements in terms of waste management in Nunavik?
The Kativik Regional Government adopted the 2nd Residual material management plan 2021-2027 after conducting public consultations with Northern Villages across the region. The action plan includes 21 measures to be implemented to find sustainable solutions for residual materials generated in Nunavik. The document is available for the public on the organization’s website (https://www.krg.ca/en-CA/) with an update on the midterm of this plan. Several targets have been reached and others are underway to reduce the disposal of residual materials. Across the region, the Northern Villages with the assistance of the KRG, have
successfully manage to collect and recycle residual metal, build a new storage site for end-of-life vehicles and a pilot project for a composting facility in underway. Overall, we’re proud to say that 70% of the measures to be implemented on the plan have been achieved.
Q — How can youth get involved in this project and/or share their voice and concerns?
Youth have an important role in the future of the natural environment by raising awareness on the rest of the population. We also encourage their participation throughout new projects by getting involved and changing their habits by recycling, composting, sorting their waste at home as well as proposing innovative ideas to promote social acceptance on waste management initiatives.
Q — Is there any new pilot project coming up for Kuujjuaq the population can get excited about?
Yes, we have exciting new projects starting in Kuujjuaq. A new composting facility to manage organic waste and a storage site for the collective selection (blue bin) will be built next year. By the end of 2025, Kuujjuammiut will have 3 waste collection routes (selective collection, organic collection, final non-reusable residues collection) as well an ecocenter and recovery store to sort construction and hazardous waste materials and provide a second life for some objects. With these projects, we aim to divert a maximum quantity of residual waste material from the landfill and reduce open-air burning.
Q — Which kind of recommendations/advice will you give to youth to encourage them taking care of their environment?
Many waste management projects require a change of habits. We expect an effort from everyone to ensure the success of the project, which aims to improve the quality of the environment. With the participation of everyone including the northern village, local organizations and the public, we can achieve this goal. We need to start by keeping the environment clean which include picking up all the waste around houses, on the land, school and workplace.
Q — Do you want to share anything else with the youth in Nunavik?
Everyone has a role to play in improving the quality of our environment, both within our communities and beyond. Every gesture count, and you can make a difference. If you’re interested in helping to improve our communities’ environment, stay in school, complete your high school and post-secondary diploma, and there are plenty of environmental jobs waiting for you in your community or at KRG.
