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Tonga JNAP Monitoring and Evaluation Capacity Building Workshop
In a significant stride towards a resilient future for Tonga, a capacity building workshop on Monitoring and Evaluation was held on Wednesday 19 October at Tanoa Hotel. The JNAP Secretariat from the Department of Climate Change facilitated the workshop alongside the National Planning Division of the Prime Minister’s Office. The workshop aimed at bolstering the Monitoring and Evaluation System for Tonga’s second Joint National Action Plan on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (JNAP 2, 2018-2028).
JNAP 2 serves as the sector plan for Climate Change in the Ministry of MEIDECC, and it also serves as Tonga’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), making it the backbone in the country’s response to climate change and disaster risk management.
The workshop’s highlight was the presentation of key findings from the first JNAP 2 Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) progress report completed in 2021. This report was meticulously compiled using data collected through the JNAP Monitoring and Evaluation System. It provided valuable insights into the progress and status of JNAP 2 activities.
The workshop targeted the M&E focal points and ministries of 10 line ministries. They engaged in constructive discussions, focusing on how JNAP activities can be seamlessly integrated into the corporate plans of ministries. Moreover, participants delved into the specifics of activity progress, implementation stages, and the capacity needs addressed by the various ministries.
A milestone deserving special recognition, Tonga’s JNAP 2 has become the first ministry sector plan to merge with the corporate plan monitoring and evaluation system used by the National Planning Division for line ministries across the entire government. This achievement represents a monumental step forward in Tonga’s efforts to integrate climate change and disaster risk management.
This success is the result of four years of dedicated patience and on-going efforts. It showcases the perseverance and collaboration of Tonga’s public, NGO and private sector in building a more sustainable and resilient future for the nation. Ms Ma’ata Mafi from the National Planning Division commented at the workshop, “One of our objectives in National Planning is knowledge exchange between ministries. It was good to finally see the data we have collected turned into solid information. I believe these are very useful insights to the ministries, especially when addressing their capacity needs.” The workshop was a vital step on demonstrating that the collaborative spirit and shared vision of the different government ministries can lead to significant accomplishments.
In Tonga, where the people’s connection to the environment is intrinsic, this workshop signifies a common goal to protect their beautiful islands that is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. It is a testament to their commitment to tackling climate change and managing disaster risks. Looking ahead to a more positive impact from the insights and strategies from this workshop, the Department of Climate Change and National Planning continue their ongoing monitoring and evaluation of data through collaboration with the government ministries of Tonga and stakeholders to building a resilient Tonga to the impacts of climate change.
Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Acting CEO for MEIDECC launches Reports on the Development of a Climate Resilience Curriculum for Sia’atoutai Theological College
At a special ceremony held at Sia’atoutai Theological College Hall on the 3rd of July 2023, Mr. Paula Pouvalu Ma’u, the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Acting CEO for the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), officially launched three reports on the ‘Development of a Climate Resilience Curriculum for Sia’atoutai Theological College’, as part of the Strengthening Adaptation Planning in Tonga Project (SAPT): The following reports were launched:
- Course Outline & Assessment Guide
- Academic Policies & Procedures
- Community Engagement Guide & Implementation Plan
The SAPT Project, executed by the Department of Climate Change at MEIDECC, is funded under the GCF Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme, National Adaptation Plan funding modality in collaboration with the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga and Sia’atoutai Theological College. The first phase of the Project was completed in 2021, which was to review the academic and ministerial curricula of Sia’atoutai Theological College (STC) to integrate Climate Change and ecological issues. The second phase aimed to develop an accredited course module on climate change, disaster preparedness, environment, and theology. These modules will be offered at Sia’atoutai Theological College as part of its academic and ministerial curricula, along with community-based resilience training for existing church leaders and ministers.
The two consultants responsible for implementing the first and second phases of the project were Rev. Dr. Nasili Vaka’uta, Principal of Trinity Theological College for the Methodist Church in New Zealand, and Rev. Dr. Jione Havea, a research fellow at Trinity Methodist Theological College in New Zealand and the Public and Contextual Theology Research Centre in Charles Stuart University, Australia.
Figure 1: Lauching and Handover of the Reports on the Development of a Climate Resilience Curriculum for Sia’atoutai Theological College from Mr. Paula Pouvalu Ma’u, Chief Secretary & Secretary to Cabinet and Acting CEO for MEIDECC to Rev. Dr. Paula Latu, Principal of Sia’atoutai Theological College
While presenting the reports to the Principal of Sia’atoutai Theological College, Rev. Dr. Paula Latu, Mr. Paula Pouvalu Ma’u acknowledged the role of the late Dr Netatua Prescott Taufatofua, Rev Dr ‘Ungatea Kata, and the Director of Climate Change, Lu’isa Tu’i’afitu Malolo, in developing the project. He emphasized the concept of ‘resilience’ as the project’s essence, noting that while there is no single Tongan term that perfectly encapsulates it, some have used the term ‘tu’utai,’ which carries biblical connotations and represents the ability to stand strong despite challenges.
Figure 2: Rev. Dr. Jione Havea, Rev. Kalolo Fihaki, Mr. Paula Pouvalu Ma’u, Chief Secretary & Secretary to Cabinet and Acting CEO for MEIDECC, Rev. Dr. Nasili Vaka’uta and Rev. Dr. Paula Latu, Principal of Sia’atoutai Theological College after the launching event.
In the presentation of their Reports, Rev.Dr. Havea and Rev.Dr. Vaka’uta stressed the importance of the FWC constitution in regard to Climate Change and focused on the FWCT, Constitution 2005, XI.I, p.88 in which it reads “Everything in the Creation, is of God, and it is up to us to think about its utilization, or we may be accused of misusing it. It is therefore important to keep and protect it, and take note of the value of every aspect of the Creation, because it was created by God. Included in this, the water, the air we breathe, the land, the sources of power, the flora, the animals and the atmosphere.” They highlighted the church’s responsibility toward life, environment, and societal changes, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and preserving the natural beauty of the universe.
The FWC President Rt.Hon. Rev.Dr. Tevita Koloa’ia Havea, in his speech, thanked MEIDECC for the successful collaboration emphasizing that this is an important milestone for Sia’atoutai Theological College. He acknowledged the initiative would have far-reaching impacts on future generations, raising awareness and knowledge among students and local church ministers regarding the prevalence and manifestations of the climate crisis. He further noted that leveraging the church as a mechanism to support community uptake of climate adaptation practices extends the impact of the project beyond its implementation phase, as the church is deeply embedded in the daily lives of Tongans. He concluded his speech by emphasizing the significance of Implementing, and Monitoring and Evaluation stage of the project to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Figure 2: Rev. Dr. Jione Havea, Rev. Kalolo Fihaki, Mr. Paula Pouvalu Ma’u, Chief Secretary & Secretary to Cabinet and Acting CEO for MEIDECC, Rev. Dr. Nasili Vaka’uta and Rev. Dr. Paula Latu, Principal of Sia’atoutai Theological College after the launching event.
In closing the launch event, Rev. Dr. Paula Latu, the Principal of STC, emphasized the importance of protecting the environment by practicing what one learns about climate change. He announced that Sia’atoutai Theological College would begin adopting eco-friendly lifestyle.
The launch ceremony was a joint event with the Department of Climate Change of MEIDECC and received tremendous support and coordination from the staff and students of Sia’atoutai Theological College.
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Enhancing local expertise capacity for the preparation of the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (NGHGI)
Tonga’s Fourth National Communication (4NC) Project under the Department of Climate Change conducted a virtual training on the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (NGHGI) in collaboration with Subarao Consultancy Services SCS New Zealand from the 20th – 23rd of June 2023.
Figure 1 – Ms. Lu’isa Tu’i’afitu Malolo (Director for Climate Change) delivering the opening remarks
Through the span of 4 days, Mr. Srikanth and his team guided local experts from key sectors of Energy, Waste, AFOLU, and IPPU with comprehensive, hands-on, updated & in-depth sector-specific instruction on using the 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines to prepare and update Tonga’s NGHGI.
Ms. Lu’isa Tu’i’afitu Malolo, Director of the Department of Climate Change, during her official opening speech, emphasized the significance of creating a new, accurate NGHGI report, which will be reported under the 4NC report, and how it will be used as a foundation to develop the Third Nationally Determined Contribution, the Third Joint National Action Plan, and the Climate Change Policy.
Figure 2 – Participants during Day 1 presentation
Participants gained vital knowledge on the GHGI process, approaches, and calculation methodologies for GHG emissions where they had the opportunity to practice estimating GHG emissions from their perspective sectors using the IPCC inventory software tool. Participants are expected to collaborate closely moving forward with the Department of Climate Change to develop the NGHGI report under the 4NC report.
Figure 3 – Participants from the AFOLU sector during Day 3 presentation
This training was attended by key personnel from the Departments of Energy and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Forests (MAFF), Climate Change’s Ozone Depletion Substance Division, and local experts in the field of IPPU and AFOLU.
Building The Kingdom Of Tonga’s Resilience To Adapt To Climate Change Impacts
Why climate vulnerable nations are leaders not just victims | Josephine Latu-Sanft | TEDxLondonWomen
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=vQ1tt5G-9ak
Small island states are typically depicted in global media as desperately sinking or moments away from total annihilation due to climate change. But this is not the whole story – for decades some of the most climate vulnerable countries have been the loudest voices leading the climate movement and bringing about real change. As a native Tongan/Pacific Islander and communications specialist, Josephine Latu-Sanft, shares the historic role of small island states not merely as climate victims but as climate warriors. Josephine has worked for 18 years in the field of communications, as a journalist, communications professional and educator. She has spent the last decade in multilateral organisations, working across more than 90 countries to shape messages around global issues, such as climate change, ocean protection and sustainable development. Josephine is a strong advocate for raising the voice of small island developing nations (or Big Ocean Sustainable States) in global discussions on issues that affect them the most, such as climate change. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Hihifo Primary School Composting Competition Final Inspection for Phase 2 – Composting & Potting seedling
Department of Climate Change at Ministry of MEIDECC conducted a composting competition for Hihifo primary school as part of the events during the National Climate Change Awareness Week, 2022 in Tongatapu. Eight (8) Primary schools were participated in this competition. They were the Government Middle School (GMS) of Kolomotu’a, GMS Hofoa, GMS Fatai, GMS Te’ekiu, Government Primary School (GPS) of Puke, GPS Kanokupolu, and Free Wesleyan Primary School (FWPS) of Nukunuku and FWPS Kolovai. The EU-SPC GCCA+ SUPA Project funded this event.
The goal of this event was to raise an awareness in the schools regarding the benefits of using compost to improve or maintain high quality soil, to grow healthy plants, reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides, improve water quality and protect the environment from the impact of climate change. The Judges for today’s events were Mr. Viliami Fukofuka and Ms. Kalolaine Eminoni (Public Health) Ms. Mele Tu’akalau (Department of Environment) and Ms. Faka’anaua Tu’itavuki (Waste Authority Limited).
This competition was divided into two phases; the first phase of this competition was judged 20th September 2022 and the second judged today, 3rd March, 2023. Overall, the principals, staff and students of these eight schools were pleased to have participated in this event, to show their support to raise awareness on climate change and its impact in Tonga.
However, seedlings from this competition will contribute to the Target Planting One Million Trees by 2023.
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Tonga at the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27)
10th November, 2022 As climate change continues to force-multiple threats to the security of the region, the Kingdom of Tonga was amongst the smallest of nations, to have representations at the annual global Climate Conference, hosted by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, in Sharm El Sheik, from 6-18 November 2022.
Tonga’s delegation to the COP27 Meetings, is led by His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u, and supported by the Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku as Minister responsible for Meteorology, Environment, Information, Disaster Management Energy, Climate Change and Communications. The delegation comprises Cabinet (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests and Fisheries – Hon. Lord Fohe; Minister of Finance, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti), the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua, Tonga’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Hon. ‘Akau’ola, senior Government officials and climate change advisers and researchers.
In the event of the increasingly complex challenges brought forth by the impact of the unprecedented disaster of the volcanic eruption and tsunami of January 15, coupled with the existential threat of climate change pressures to the Kingdom, a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation-approach was necessary to amplify and recognize Tonga’s voice in addressing its priorities for climate change, heighted by its visible presence at the COP27 to inform of its climate-resilient and national security priorities.
At the Leaders’ Summit on 7 November, His Majesty King Tupou VI, delivered Tonga’s Statement at the premier Climate Change conference, drawing attention to the uncertainty of the climate outlook of the Pacific, and the intensifying existing pressures, that significantly affect environment and resource security in the Kingdom, creating strains on food security and worsens conditions around water and land, further exacerbate other socio-economic impacts.
Over the next two weeks, governments, key policy and decision makers, will continue to discuss in Sharm El Sheik, national, regional and global commitments for mitigation, adaptation, finance and areas for coordination and coordination in working together with the private sector businesses and industries, civil society and multi-disciplinary sectors to address the climate crisis.
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Issued by: The Prime Minister’s Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Tel: (676) 7401351 Fax: (676) 23 888; For media enquiries- Email: pmopressroom@gmail.com Website: www.pmo.gov.to
TONGATAPU ISLAND PRE CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES (COP) 27 STAKEHOLDER’S CONSULTATION AND TREE PLANTING
19th October 2022, the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Risk Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication in collaboration with the British High Commission Office, held the first Tongatapu Island Pre COP stakeholder’s consultation in preparation for the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP) which will be hosted by Egypt in Sharm El-Sheikh on the 6th – 18th November 2022. This stakeholders’ consultation was held at the Tanoa Hotel Conference Room in Nukuálofa with participants included the Tonga Delegates that will represent Tonga at the COP 27, JNAP Taskforce members and other relevant stakeholders.
This consultation is aimed to enhance practical actions that will make a bold statement to the international community and leaders who are about to meet at COP27 that urgent climate action is needed more now than before for our small Island state.
The Guest of Honor Her Excellency Lucy Joyce British High Commissioner who is also a climate change advocate, mentioned in her speech, “As the UK holds the Presidency still until the beginning of COP27, there is crucial work to be done as we spend the coming days in working with governments and organizations to make sure they deliver on the Glasgow Climate Pact, turning momentum into action.”
This will be accomplished in attaining four goals:
- Ensuring promises on emissions reductions are kept to keep 1.5 degrees alive
- Delivering for climate vulnerable countries by ensuring commitments on adaptation and loss and damage are honored
- Getting finance flowing
- And working together and continuing to an inclusive Presidency
The UK through the COP Presidency will work hand-in-hand with the COP27 President Egypt, COP28 President UAE, our international partners, business, youth and civil society, to deliver our priorities and keep climate at the top of the international agenda. Pushing for further action across critical sectors and turning promises into clear delivery plans through established forums and international councils.
“I continue to applaud Tonga for their involvement and commitment to fighting climate change. We have all seen and experience here its effects and know that it will only worsen if we do not act now!” HE. Lucy Joyce continued.
Keynote Address – Her Excellency Lucy Joyce, British High Commissioner
The Head of Policy and Planning Division under the Department of Climate Change, MEIDECC Ms. Fololita Sila conveyed the welcoming remarks to welcome the British High Commissioner, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Ministry of MEIDECC and the rest of the participants.
Welcome Remarks – Ms. Fololita Sila, Department of Climate Change, MEIDECC
“This year, the focus of the Pre Cop 27 Consultation is to support Tonga’s delegation with their preparation for the annual COP or 27th Session of the Conference of the Parties to UNFCCC which will be held in Egypt next month,” said Mr. Paula Ma’u, the CEO for MEIDECC.
“I would also like to acknowledge Tonga’s delegates and thank you for attending today’s Pre Cop 27 consultation. I am certain that the knowledge and information you will learn from today’s consultation will help prepare you for what to expect at COP and even more.”
Vote of Thanks – Mr. Paula Maú, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Ministry of MEIDECC
Following the opening ceremony of the Pre COP 27 stakeholders’ consultation was a series of presentation led by the Head of Divisions in the Department of Climate Change on the thematic areas and facts for the Tonga Delegations to take note while in the 27th Conference of the Parties.
Presentation – Ms. Losana Latu, Department of Climate Change, MEIDECC
To mark this auspicious event, the manager and staff of Tanoa International Hotel allowed their grounds to conduct a tree planting activity in which five (5) moli trees were planted contributing to the Second National Determined Contributions targets of planting 1 million trees by 2023. Following
HE Ms. Lucy Joyce marking the event by planting a Moli tree to mark the Second NDC target of planting one million trees by 2023 at the Tanoa International Hotel.