June 2021
Hihifo Youth Receives training on the importance of Mangroves
The GCCA+ SUPA Project in partnership with the Department of Climate Change, MEIDECC, began five-day training on Mangroves for youths from Sopu, Hofoa, Puke, Sia’atoutai, Fatai, Matafonua, Nukunuku, Te’ekiu, Masilamea, Fo’ui, Ha’avakatolo, Kolovai, Ahau, Kanokupolu and Ha’atafu.
The training which is conducted by AGS Consultants is part of the GCCA+ SUPA project’s KRA 2 activities that focuses on youth engagement and empowerment.
The objective of the training is to provide youths from the above mentioned coastal communities with strong knowledge and better understanding and awareness of the existing and potential threats brought by climate change to Tonga.
In opening the training this morning, the Director for Climate Change, Luisa Tuiafitu-Malolo encouraged participants to work in unison if they want to succeed in their fight against climate change. She reminded the 25 participants that “you all have a very important role to play, especially as residents and future leaders of their communities. By protecting mangroves, you also are protecting your own future, Tonga and the whole world in helping to adapt and to mitigate the effects of climate change”.
The training pays particular attention to the importance of mangroves and the challenges it faces in Tonga. Participants will also be taught to identify different mangrove species in Tonga, the process of how to develop a simple mangrove nursery – that includes, site selection, site preparation and clearance, harvesting of seedlings, potting and propagating, management, out-planting up to the final step – the monitoring.
Another crucial component of the training will be on advancing the skills and knowledge of the participants on proposal writing. This means that participants will be taught on how to write a simple adaptation proposal to be presented on the final day of the training.
The training is made possible through the financial contribution from the European Union and the Pacific Community (SPC).
For more information please contact Manu Manuofetoa via telephone: 22-430 or email: manuofetoa_m@yahoo.com
Tonga’s National Ozone Unit has Successfully Completed the Annual Refresher Training for Tongatapu Customs and Broker officials.
01/06/2021, The National Ozone Unit (NOU) from the Department of Climate Change in partnership with His Majesty’s Customs through donor funding from the United Nation Environment Program conducted two days of training on ozone depletion and risk profiling systems. This training is carried out annually to emphasize the importance of safeguarding the ozone layer and enforcing boarder security protocols in reference to the controlling of ozone depleting substances (ODS) import.
One of the highlights of this event was the presentation conducted by Mr. Sau Niulala, a senior officer from His Majesty’s Customs. Other than clearly defining the responsibilities of customs and brokers regarding the trade of ODS, Mr. Niulala also urged the participants to remain true and vigilant at all times whilst on duty in order to avoid the occurrences of illegal trade of refrigerants controlled under the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
As a result of this training, the customs and broker officers were being able to identify the different types of ozone depleting substances and their alternatives as well as the legislations on controlling of ODS imports.
The annual refresher training was conducted on the 31st of May and 1st of June at the Feáo Mo e Ngalu Conference room, Nukuálofa. This training will be upcoming event for Vavaú Customs in July.