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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

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 27^th 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 27^th 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.

Figure 1 – Stakeholders attending the inception workshop

6^th October 2022, The Department of Climate Change (DCC) at the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Communication and Climate Change (MEIDECC) hosted a national inception workshop for Tonga’s Fourth National Communication Report (4NC) on Wednesday, the 5^th of October at the Faónelua Convention Centre.

To meet Tonga’s reporting obligations as a non-Annex 1 Party to the United Nations Framework convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Department is developing the 4NC on climate change to be communicated to the UNFCCC with assistance from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). In accordance with its commitments, Tonga submitted its Initial National Communication (INC) in 2005, its Second National Communication (SNC) in 2012, and its Third National Communication (TNC) in 2020.

Figure 2 – Mr. Mafua Maka delivering the opening remarks at the workshop

Mr Mafua Maka, Director for NEMO, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the CEO for MEIDECC, highlighted the importance of the 4NC project building on the work that was carried out in the previous TNC and not only for reporting purposes but to see the progress Tonga has made in addressing climate change.

He  stated, “Here today, we will officially launch Tonga’s Fourth National Communication project and begin discussions with you relevant stakeholders regarding the objectives, expected outcomes, and outputs of this project in the hope of continuing to foster and establish ownership and active partner engagement throughout the project’s lifetime.“

Figure 3 – Ms. Akesiu Fifita, Project Manager of the 4NC Project

At the workshop, Ms. Akesiu Fifita, Project Manager and colleagues from UNDP joining virtually presented the project’s expected outcomes and outputs to stakeholders. Stakeholders were then given the opportunity to discuss and provide feedback on the overview of the project’s result framework, annual work plan and stakeholder engagement plan in their various sectors of mitigation and adaptation.

Ms Susan Tuítavake & Mr Metui Falesiva from MAFF

Waste Sector group discussion

Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU) Sector group discussion

Mitigation group with the Project Manager, Ms Akesiu Fifita during their discussion

Energy Sector group discussion

L-R: Ms Loiloi Latu from the 4NC team with Ms. Luísa Manuofetoa from the Ministry of Internal Affair

The inception workshop was attended by a variety of stakeholders from government line ministries, public enterprises, non-government organizations (NGOs) and private sector, and colleagues from the UNDP joined virtually.

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On Friday, September 23^rd the Department of Climate Change wrapped up the National Climate Change Awareness Week 2022 programme with an exhibition at Queen Salote Hall.

The week-long event was hosted by the department in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders and partners to raise awareness on climate actions and to inform and educate the people of Tonga about the impacts of climate change on the environment, communities and livelihoods.

Acting Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu said, the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stated that humans are directly responsible for the observed changes in climate.

“These changes will deteriorate, sine will be irreversible and some other effects will have existential threats for many of the people in the low lying islands including Tonga.”

Tonga have experienced these impacts of climate change;

• The increasing intensity of tropical cyclones – Tropical Cyclone Gita severely hit Tonga in February 2018 and Tropical Cyclone Harold in April, 2020.
• Over the past decade, sea level rise with an average of 6.4mm per year that causes loss of critical infrastructures, assets and habitats in low lying coastal areas.
• Higher ocean temperature result in coral bleaching of reefs in Tonga;
• Salt water intrusion affecting groundwater quality and increase soil salinity hence resulting in the reduction of crop yields;
• Drought leads to water shortage especially the outer islands where rainwater is the only source of water.

Hon. Vaipulu said the theme ‘Building a Resilient Tonga’ strongly emphasize the importance of working together in harmony to build resilience in Tonga.

CEO for MEIDECC, Mr. Paula Ma’u said, “Throughout the National Climate Change Awareness Week, we have witnessed the partnerships of various stakeholders in Tonga and the ongoing support from our donors and also our partners.”

The week-long event demonstrates that climate resilience agenda can be driven and achieved by key related sectors in close collaborations with donors and development partners.

Tonga’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation Road Map and Investment Plan with Project Pipeline was also launched as well as the Tonga Energy Road Map 2021-2035.

The exhibition was attended by government ministries, non-government organizations, relevant stakeholders, schools and communities to display their climate actions in building climate resilience in Tonga.

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23 ‘o Sepitema, 2022 Na’e faka’atā (commission) ‘e ‘Eiki Nōpele Tu’ivakanō ‘i he pongipongi ‘aneafí ‘a e lulu’anga ‘akau ma’a´e kāinga ‘o e Vahe Hihifó (Sopu ‘o Taufa’āhau ki Ha’atafu) ‘i hono tofi’á, Nukunuku. Ko e ngāue ni ko e konga ia ‘a e ngaahi polokalama ke faka’ilonga’i ‘aki ‘a e Uike Fakafonua ki hono Tokangaekina e Feliuliuaki ‘o e ‘Eá.

Ko e lulu’anga ‘akaú ‘oku fe’unga hono loloá mo e mita ‘e 35, mita ‘e 20 maokupu pea mita ‘e 2.2 hono ma’olungá.

Fakatatau ki he fakamatala ‘a e Pule Ngāue Potungāue MEIDECC Paula Ma’u, “Ko e tupulekina ‘a e tahí (sea level rise) ‘oku kau mo ia ‘i hono maumau’i pe ‘auhia ai ‘a e matāfanga ‘o e ngaahi kolo ko ’ení. ‘I he ngaahi fekumi fakasaienisi fakamuimuí, ‘oku tupu ‘a e tahi ‘o meimei ‘i he 6mm ’i he ta’u kotoa pē.”

“‘Oku fakafuofua ko e konga ‘o Nuku’alofá ‘e ‘osi ia hono kapui ‘e he tahí ‘o kau ai ‘a e ngaahi kolo tu’u ‘i he ve’e matāfangá ‘o hangē ko Sopu ki Ha’atafú, pea ko e ‘uhinga ia ‘a e ngaahi ngāue ko ’eni na’a lava kene matu’uekina ‘a e ngaahi pole ko ’ení.”

Na’a ne pehē foki ‘e tokoni ‘a hono fokotu’u ‘a e feitu’u lulu’anga ‘akaú ki hono tō ‘a e tongó mo e ngaahi ‘akau tu’u matātahí.

“’I he ola lelei ‘a e ngāue ko ‘ení, ‘e lava ke fēngāue’aki lelei ‘a e ngaahi ‘ilo ko iá ke lava ke fokotu’u ha ngaahi lulu’anga ‘akau pehe ni ‘i he toenga ‘o e ngaahi vāhengá ‘i Tonga ni. ‘Oku ‘i ai ‘a e faka’amu ke hono ‘a e ngaahi feitu’u lulu’anga ‘akau ko ‘ení ko ha ma’u’anga mo’ui pea ke tokoni ki hono ta’ota’ofi ‘a e nunu’a kovi ‘o e feliuliuaki ‘o e ‘eá.

Na’e tāpuaki’i ‘a e ngāué ‘e he Faifekau ‘o e Siasi Uesiliana Tau’atāina ‘o Nukunuku Hahaké ‘Isileli Tu’ifua Lātū na’a ne pehē ai, “Na’e ‘omai kitautolu ‘e he ‘Otuá ke tau hoko ko e kau setuata ke tauhi ‘a ‘ene fakatupú, he ko e ‘Otuá ko hotau hūfanga’anga mo e tali tau’anga.”

Ko e polokalama ngāue ko ‘ení ‘oku fakapa’anga ia ‘e he Global Climate Change Alliance Plus Scaling Up Pacific Adaptation Project (GCCA + SUPA ‘a ia ‘oku kau ki ai ‘a Tonga mo e ngaahi fonua kehe ‘e valu.

Ko e poloseki GCCA + SUPA ‘oku fakapa’anga ia ‘e he Ngaahi Fonua Fakatahataha ‘o ‘Iulope (European Union) ‘i ha vā fengāue’aki mo e Kautaha Fakasekelitali ma’a´e Komiunitī ‘o e Pasifiki (SPC).

Ko e polokalama ngāue ni ‘oku hoko atu ia mei he polokalama tatau ne fakahoko ‘i he 2013-2015 ko EU-SPC GCCA:PSIS Project ‘a ia na’e tataki ‘e he Va’a Feliuliuaki ‘o e ‘Eá.

‘Oku vahevahe ‘a e polokalama ko’eni ki he konga lalahi ‘e tolu, ‘a ia ko e ‘uluakí, ko hono fakahoko ‘a e ngaahi savea ‘i he ngaahi matāfanga na’e uesia ‘i he feliuliuaki ‘o e ‘eá ‘a ia na’e kau ki ai ‘a Sopu ‘o Taufa’āhaú ki Ha’atafu ‘i he Vāhenga Hihifó.

Ne mahino mei he ngaahi savea ne fakahoko ‘i he Vahe Hihifó ‘a e lahi e ‘auhia ko ia ‘a e tongó pea mo e ngaahi ‘akau ‘oku nau tu’u ‘i he ve’e matātahí ‘o faingofua ai ‘a e hake mai ‘a e tahí kae tautautefito ki he taimi ‘oku afā aí.

Ko hono fokotu’u ‘o e lulu’anga ‘akaú ko e ola ia ‘o e ngāue ‘a e polosekí ‘o fakatatau ki he ngaahi savea ne fakahokó. Ko e konga hono uá, ke langa ha fōsoa pea mo tō ‘a e tongó mo ha ngaahi ‘akau matātahi ‘i he ngaahi ‘elia ‘o e Vahe Hihifó. Ko hono tolú leva ko e polokalama ke tokangaekina ‘a e ngaahi akó pea pehē ki he ngaahi koló ke nau lava ‘o tauhi ‘a e ngaahi ngāue ‘a e polokalama ni.

Na’e makatu’unga hono fokotu’u ‘a e ngāue ni ‘i Nukunukú hili ha femahino’aki ‘a e kau ‘ōfisa kolo ‘o e Vāhenga Hihifó ke vahevahe tatau ‘a e mama’o mei Sopu ki Nukunukú pea mo e mama’o mei Ha’atafu ki Nukunukú.

NGATA’ANGA

Tuku atu mei he: Va’a Feliuliuaki ‘a e ‘Ea (MEIDECC)

21st September 2022, Nukualofa, Tonga – A first in meeting mutual needs in the Kingdom of Tonga took place this week at a time when the nation is celebrating National Climate Change Awareness
Week.

A team of two staff members from the Lands Geospatial Information Systems (LGIS) division under the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources responded to an urgent call to accurately geolocate coastal protection structures on Tongatapu.

The call was made through the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) for the GCCA+ Scaling up Pacific Adaptation (SUPA) project. Geolocation refers to identifying the geographical location of a person or device by means of digital information processed via the internet.

The survey began at the eastern coast from Kolonga with the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS-GNSS) to determine the form, boundary, and position of groynes, detached breakwaters, rock revetments and barriers built to protect the coastline and coastal communities of Tongatapu.

As the Chief Geospatial Information Officer, Makameone Fifita shared: “The geospatial technology is always advancing. It is three-dimensional and helps to visualise what is on the ground. You give us data and we can analyse the same data to visualise impact, for example, this exercise of geolocating the protection measures. It will be good that others utilise LGIS in project planning and engage from the start when setting targets for activities, makes it easier for us to update information and interpret data collected to understand the results of project activities”.

Figure 1. Display of groynes along the coastline of Makaunga in Eastern Tongatapu

A previous study in 2021 from analysing the efficiency of the structural coastal protection structures in the selected coastal communities, suggest medium positive impact on the communities.

Results from the social and behavioural change analysis showed that most participants considered that the infrastructure had helped protect the coastline, however there was a desire for further strengthening.

Figure 2. Staff members from the Lands Geospatial Information Systems (LGIS) geolocating the rock revetment in Kolonga

With a growth mindset, MEIDECC since organising the first national climate change awareness in 2019 urged the nation to “Increase climate action to save Tonga”.

The theme of this week is “Building a Resilient Tonga” calling upon all stakeholders, from families to businesses, youth and schools for mutual cooperation in building resiliency.

Link: https://ee.humanitarianresponse.info/x/XXNmKq9s

The GCCA+ SUPA project, funded by the European Union is delivered collaboratively by SPREP, Pacific Community (SPC) and the University of the South Pacific (USP) with the aim to enhance climate change adaptation and resilience within the Pacific region.

Figure 1: Banner of the youth event, Talanga mo e To’utupu: Youth Climate Change Talanoa.

23rd September, 2022 The Department of Climate Change hosted its second youth-led dialogue event ‘Talanga mo e To’utupu: Youth Climate Change Talanoa’, on the 21^st September, the fourth day of the annual National Climate Change Awareness Week for 2022 with the theme of “Building a Resilient Tonga” or “Tākanga ‘etau fohe ki ha Tonga tu’uloa”. This event coincides with the six-year anniversary of Tonga’s ratification of the Paris Agreement on the 21^st of September 2016.

This talanga event proceeded in two-panel sessions. The first panel consisted of five youth representatives from the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), Mainstreaming of Rural Development Innovation (MORDI) Tonga, The Pacific Community’s Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE), Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga Youth Climate Change Committee and the Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship (TYEE).

The youth panelists firstly shared current climate actions that they are currently involved in and their perspectives on the significance of youth’s involvement in climate actions. The youth panelists ended the first panel with powerful messages for the leaders and stakeholders on how to ensure meaningful youth participation in national and local climate actions.

Youth panelists agreed on the importance of genuine youth-led initiatives, and participation in policy processes and decision-making. Ms. Madeleine Lavemai representing PISFCC stated, “it is pretty evident here the achievements of not just PISFCC but also the youth-led organizations here that young people are solidifying their place as leaders of their own future… we have young people with the potential to be policy-makers, to advocate far great than at the grassroots level and to implement change in various sectors of Tonga.”

The last panel comprised of senior officials from the  Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Australian High Commission to Tonga, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF), Department of Energy, Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Civil Society Forum of Tonga (CSFT).

The diverse group of representatives in this panel brought a wealth of knowledge and information from the experiences and perspectives of donors, development partners, government, civil society, and the private sector.

Mr. Paula Ma’u, CEO for MEIDECC emphasized in his welcoming remarks that the Paris Agreement is more than an environmental agreement stating, “it should also be looks at, as one of the most profound tools to defend the quality of life for todays’ youth…not only intended for the benefit of current generations but it is also for those in the future to come.” Mr. Ma’u also elaborated on how this event built from the first National Youth Climate Change Talanoa last year and hopefully more youth talanoa events will take place in the future.

The High Commissioner for the United Kingdom to Tonga, Her Excellency Lucy Joyce in her keynote address commended the event for the engagement in Tonga particularly with young people and the clear goals and targets in Tonga’s Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Her Excellency gave recognition of the importance of the NDC as the “heart of the Paris Agreement”. In closing Her Excellency stated, “if we are really to tackle the issue of climate change, today and in the future, we need the youth of today. The youth of Tonga and the world to take action and encourage others to take action, to hold us to account.”

The talanga event was attended by youth representatives from tertiary and vocational institutions, youth groups as well as organizations represented by the panelists and working partners of the Department of Climate Change.

Figure 2: Youth panelists (left-right:) Ms. Madelene Lavemai (PISFCC), Ms. Crystal ‘Ake (MORDI Tonga), Mr. Sione Misi (SPC’s PCREEE), Ms. ‘Asinate Lilo (FWC Youth Climate Change Committee), Ms. ‘Anaseini Iotebatu (TYEE)

The last panel comprised of senior officials from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Australian High Commission to Tonga, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF), Department of Energy, Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Civil Society Forum of Tonga (CSFT).

The diverse group of representatives in this panel brought a wealth of knowledge and information from the experiences and perspectives of donors, development partners, government, civil society, and the private sector

Figure 3: Senior officials panelists from left-right: Ms. Ella Scott the Second Secretary and Vice Consul from the Australian High Commission, Dr. Viliami Manu the CEO for MAFF and Ms. ‘Emele Latu the Capacity Development Officer representing CSFT.

Figure 4: Representatives in the senior officials’ panel from left-right: Mr. Frank Rejisberman the Director General for GGGI, Ms. Carrie Vaea (Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry), and Dr. Kakau Foliaki the Director for the Department of Energy, MEIDECC.

Mr. Paula Ma’u, CEO for MEIDECC emphasized in his welcoming remarks that the Paris Agreement is more than an environmental agreement stating, “it should also be looks at, as one of the most profound tools to defend the quality of life for todays’ youth…not only intended for the benefit of current generations but it is also for those in the future to come.” Mr. Ma’u also elaborated on how this event built from the first National Youth Climate Change Talanoa last year and hopefully more youth talanoa events will take place in the future.

The High Commissioner for the United Kingdom to Tonga, Her Excellency Lucy Joyce in her keynote address commended the event for the engagement in Tonga particularly with young people and the clear goals and targets in Tonga’s Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Her Excellency gave recognition of the importance of the NDC as the “heart of the Paris Agreement”. In closing Her Excellency stated, “if we are really to tackle the issue of climate change, today and in the future, we need the youth of today. The youth of Tonga and the world to take action and encourage others to take action, to hold us to account.”

Figure 5: The High Commissioner for the United Kingdom of Tonga, Her Excellency, Lucy Joyce delivering her keynote address.

Figure 7: Her Excellency Lucy Joyce presenting gifts & certificate to panelist Mr. Kakau Foliaki

The talanga event was attended by youth representatives from tertiary and vocational institutions, youth groups as well as organizations represented by the panelists and working partners of the Department of Climate Change.

Figure 8: Participants present at the talanga event.

Figure 9: Panelists and participants attending the event.

Figure 10: Banner for youth panelists sharing on climate actions in Tonga.

Figure 11: Banner for senior officials panelists sharing on climate actions in Tonga.

Lavengāmalie Christian College won the first ever Secondary Schools’ Climate Change Quiz Competition after competing with Tonga College ‘Atele (TCA) for the 1^st place yesterday September 20, at Queen Salote College Hall.

The competition was part of the National Climate Change Awareness Week program initiated by MEIDECC’s Department of Climate Change to build students confidence and knowledge on climate change issues.

CEO for the Ministry of Education and Training, Ms. Tangikina Steen said, the ministry is hoping to collaborate more with the Department of Climate Change in order to address climate change issues and how it affects everyday lives in different ways including health, ability to grow food, works and safety.

CEO for MEIDECC, Mr. Paula Ma’u told students that Tonga, “in the Pacific are the most vulnerable populations to the negative impacts of Climate Change; sea level rise, coastal erosion, intense cyclones are affecting our very livelihood and existence. But we are a resilient people.”

“Today you are an ‘Ambassador for Climate Change’ – young as you may be, the future is in your hands. What you do today will decide what you become tomorrow. As a small island nation on the frontline of Climate Change, we need strong, caring and responsible stewards of our environment and people, to build our resilience so we are stronger in the face of calamity.”

The competition started last Friday, September 16 with eight secondary schools and four schools qualified for the semi-final.

Semi-final results

First round:

• Tailulu College (9 points) vs Lavengāmalie Christian College (10 points)

Second round:

• Ocean of Light International School (6 points) vs Tonga College ‘Atele (7 points)

Final results

Third round for the 3^rd and 4^th place:

• Ocean of Light International School (14 points) vs Tailulu College (4 points)

Final round for the 1^st and 2^nd place:

• Lavengāmalie Christian College (8 points) vs Tonga College ‘Atele (7 points)

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The first phase of a Composting Competition for Hihifo District Primary Schools initiated by MEIDECC’s Department of Climate Change was judged yesterday, September 20.

Eight (8) primary schools are participating in the competition including the Government Primary School (GPS) of Kolomotu’a, GPS Hofoa, GPS Puke, GPS Fatai, GPS Te’ekiu, GPS Kanokupolu, Nukunuku Free Wesleyan Primary School (FWPS) and FWPS Kolovai.

The event aims to raise awareness about the benefits of composting to improve or maintain high-quality soil, growing healthy plants using compost soil, reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides, improve water quality and protect the environment from the impact of climate change.

The competition is part of the programs introduced by the department to commemorate the National Climate Change Awareness Week 2022.

Principals, teachers and students of the eight primary schools were pleased to participate in the event to raise awareness on climate change issues and its impact in Tonga.

The three judges who assessed the first phase of the competition were Mr. Manase Malua from the Ministry of Health’s Public Health Division, Ms. Mele Tu’akalau from MEIDECC’s Department of Environment and Ms. Faka’anaua Tu’itavuki from Waste Authority Limited.

The second phase will be judged in the first week of December 2022.

Similar competitions were also introduced in Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua and will be judged on September 22.

The contest is funded by the EU-SPC GCCA+ SUPA Project.

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Tonga commemorated the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on September 19 with a program at Queen Salote College Hall under the theme Montreal Protocol@35: global cooperation protecting life on earth.

The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated worldwide on September 16, a product of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

This year marks the 35^th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, which according to the United Nations “ended one of the biggest threats ever to face humanity as a whole: the depletion of the ozone layer”.

CEO for Revenue and Customs Mr. Kelemete Vahe said, “Tonga is constantly keeping its compliance with all the requirements of the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments” a result of the “collaborations and mutual agreements” between the National Ozone Layer Protection Unit at MEIDECC’s Department of Climate Change and stakeholders including the Ministry of Customs and Tonga Refrigeration Air Condition Engineering Association.

He also called upon families, communities and religious groups to “stand united and to work determinedly” in order to mitigate and adapt to the impact of climate change in Tonga.

CEO for MEIDECC Mr. Paula Ma’u said, “This year’s theme recognises the wider impact of the Montreal Protocol on climate change and the need to collaborate, forge partnerships and develop global cooperation to address climate challenges and protect life on earth for future generations.”

“Today, we not only commemorate and celebrate the success of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, but we also gather to celebrate Tonga’s National Climate Change Awareness Week.”

Certificates were also awarded to the participants who took part in the Annual Refresher Training for Good Services Practice on Flammable Refrigerants, Annual Refresher Training on Risk Profiling and Awareness on International Agreements related to Ozone Layer Protection and the Ozone2Climate Art Contest.

The program was attended by government officials, members of Tonga Refrigeration Engineering Association and students from Saint Andrew High School.

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