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.

Youths representative from the community and NGO’s.

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 participants identify the various type of mangroves.

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