Tree planting activity for the most vulnerable to climate change

Group Photo at the compounds of the Special Inclusive Class at GPS Ngele’ia

22nd September, 2020 The Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change (MEIDECC) on the second day of the National Climate Change Awareness Week, Monday 21st of September 2020, conducted a Tree Planting Activity for People Living with Disabilities and Special Needs.

The fives sites in Tongatapu were the Alonga Center and National Visual Impairment Associations in Pea, the ‘Ofa, Tu’i ,‘Amanaki (OTA) Centre in Kolofo’ou, the Mango Tree Centre in Houmakelikao, the  Special Inclusive Class at GPS Ngele’ia and a residence in Houma representing the elderlies or Kau Toulekeleka of Houma.

Member of the Alonga Centre participating in the tree planting at Pea 

 

The tree planting activity was a close partnership between the Department of Climate Change and other government ministries and departments, non-government organisations and youth groups.  Through the tree planting activity, the participants supported the most vulnerable population in a simple but inclusive and effective climate action  – planting trees for both adaptation and mitigation purposes.

Participants from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and CARITAS Tonga planting trees at the Mango Tree Corner

 

Planting trees not only fostered inclusive climate change actions but also enhanced the tree’s environmental benefits such as increase biodiversity, reduce flood risks and preventing soil erosion. Moreover, plantings trees are an investment for future sources of income, nourishments, traditional medicine and materials for cultural needs.

Group Photo at Tonga Red Cross Society

 

The trees that were planted included fruit trees and cultural Trees such as ‘avoka, tamaline, mei, kuava, fekika, moli, siale, maile, uhi, ahi, hehea, and langakai.

Group Photo at the Alonga Centre, Pea.

 

Organizations that participated in the tree planting activity were from the Department of Environment, Forestry Division (Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests), Youth and Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA);  Non-government Organizations including Tonga Community Development Trust, Tonga Red Cross Society, CARITAS Tonga, Civil Society Forum Tonga, Langafonua ‘a Fafine Tonga, and Live and Learn Tonga; and youth groups including the Tonga National Youth Congress (TNYC), Tonga Youth Leaders (TYL), Talitha Project and Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (TYEE).

Group Photo at Mango Tree Centre in Houmakelikao

 

The tree planting activity was inspected by Lady Tuna Fielakepa from Langafonua ‘a Fafine Tonga, the CEO for MEIDECC Mr. Paula Povalu Ma’u and the Director for the Department of Climate Change, Ms Lu’isa Tu’i’afitu Malolo.

ENDS

Issued by the: Department of Climate Change (MEIDECC)