Nuku’alofa – September 28, 2020: 11am (MEIDECC): Tonga is reviewing her Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the face of continuing Climate Change threats, Prime Minister Rev Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa told the General Debate at the Seventy-fifth Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, September 25. In a pre-recorded statement Hon Dr Tu’i’onetoa said […]
Prime Minister shares Tonga’s sympathy with UN member states
Nuku’alofa – September 28, 2020: 10.55am (MEIDECC): Tonga stands in solidarity with all United Nations member states who have been affected by the global outbreak of COVID-19, resulting in the loss of lives and loved ones, Prime Minister Rev Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa told the 75th Sessions of the United Nations General Assembly on September […]
Climate Change week in Tonga
Nuku’alofa – September 22, 20202: 9.15am (Enviro News): Climate Change Week is being celebrated in Tonga this week. And the Department of Environment is also involved with tree planting, coastal clean up and exhibition. Teams from the department are working throughout the week with the Climate Change team and partners from the communities. Monday saw […]
Ha’atafu beachfront damage still visible
Nuku’alofa – September 10, 2020: 9.10am (Enviro News): Damage caused by Cyclone Harold along the Ha’atafu beachfront are still visible. Although nature has slowly started to regrow there is alot that still needs to be done. The beachfront is a possible ‘beachfront monitoring site’ that is being looked at by the Department of Environment and […]
Navutoka coastline face daily threats
Nuku’alofa – September 9, 2020: 10.05am (Enviro News): Daily threats, both natural and man made, continue to drastically affect the coastline between the villages of Navutoka and Makaunga on the East of Tongatapu. Rising sea level, natural hazards such as cyclones and storm surges plus the man-made threat of trashing by those who use the […]
Whales’ take to the Tongan seas
Nuku’alofa – September 7, 2020: 1.35pm (Enviro News): The whales have been taking to Tonga’s seas over the last month, entertaining all those who have been out to take a glimpse at them. Members of the Marine Team here at the Environment Department have been out on a few trips to monitor what is happening […]
Tonga wants to ban single-use plastics
Nuku’alofa – August 17, 2020: 3.20pm (Matangi Tonga): Tonga is looking at phasing out single-use plastics such as shopping bags, cutlery, straws and more starting next year, confirmed Director of Environment, Atelaite Lupe Matoto on Friday, August 14. Mrs Matoto told a regional conference at the Fa’onelua Centre this morning that in September last year, Cabinet […]
Experts share critical lessons on saving mangroves
London, ENGLAND – August 6, 2020: 2,45pm (COMSEC): Mangroves are disappearing at an alarming rate, with conservationists across the Commonwealth striving to save them from local extinction. These nearshore forests that straddle land and sea provide a range of vital services to both humans and fish, such as coastal protection. In a recent webinar organised […]
Ocean Plan gets thumbs up all around
Nuku’alofa – August 4, 2020: 11am (Enviro News): The Tonga Ocean Plan has made the rounds around the Kingdom over the past three months, with a resounding ‘all for it’ given by members of the public. Following community consultations in Vava’u, Ha’apai, Niuafo’ou, Niuatoputapu and Tongatapu, the Plan is being given the approval it needs. […]
Life Below Water: Transparency and Innovation will Help Build Ocean Resilience
By Courtney Farthing New York – USA – July 21, 2020 (GLOBAL FISHING WATCH): The world is at a standstill. Over the last few months, COVID-19 has challenged health systems, crippled economies, and put our most vulnerable at risk. The pandemic has impacted almost every community worldwide, leaving us uncertain about what the future holds. […]