National Climate Change Awareness Week 2019 wraps up with an Exhibition

16^th August 2019 The National Climate Change Awareness Week celebrated from August 11 – 16 under the theme ‘Increase Climate Change Action to Save Tonga’, wrapped up today with an exhibition program at Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

Minister for MEIDECC, Hon. Poasi Mataele Tei said, climate change is recognised as the single greatest threat to the environment and people’s livelihood as well as the sustainable development of the country.

“Sea level is rising, ocean is warming, tropical cyclones, are more intense as we had witnessed with Tropical Cyclone Gita, flooding, drought are affecting us all. Hence, the need to echo this year’s theme ‘Increase Climate Action to Save Tonga.’”

He urged the need to work together in strengthening and enhancing capacities by merging all efforts together, at the national, sectoral, and community level to safeguard people, land and ocean.

Hon. Tei said this final day is the completion of a month long awareness campaign that extended to the outer islands of Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua.

“I take this opportunity to commend the Department of Climate Change, stakeholders, communities, schools in these islands for conducting these awareness activities including TV and radio programmes, art competitions, out-reach presentations, dialogues and tree planting programmes for schools, women’s groups and local communities.”

“Today’s exhibition event present us with the opportunity of showcasing the works we are doing to address climate change in Tonga. Your presence and participation in this event is a real indication of our partnerships and collaborations to combat the adverse impacts of climate.”

He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the government ministries, development partners, stakeholders and local communities for taking part in the event to “solidifies the foundation for sustained collaboration and partnership to combat the adverse effects of climate change.”

CEO for MEIDECC, Mr. Paula Ma’u said, fighting against climate change is not a group, or community or ministry obligation but it is a National Obligation that should be burdened by every capable Tongan.

“The future of our beloved nation is in our hands. Let us fulfil not only the promise of the Paris Agreement, but the promise of safety and hope for all Tongans.”