Tonga’s youths leads mangrove planting initiative
3 October, 2023. Tonga’s Department of Climate Change conducted the ‘From Talanoa to Action’ Initiative’, a Youth-focus mangrove planting event on the 21st of September at Sopu Coastal Area, the fifth day of the annual National Climate Change Awareness Week for 2023.
Tonga’s Department of Climate Change reaffirms its unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and environmental conservation through tree planting as a central focus of National Climate Change Awareness Week 2023.
Building on the success of previous Youth Climate Change Talanoa sessions held during the last two National Climate Change Awareness Weeks, this year’s initiative takes a proactive and innovative approach.
Instead of merely encouraging dialogue, the department has rallied the youth to take concrete action by coming together to plant mangroves.
This initiative aims to bolster Tonga’s resilience against the adverse effects of climate change, instilling a sense of patriotism and responsibility among our youth, and ensuring a safeguarded future for generations to come.
As the saying, “many hands make light work,” was exemplified today with a remarkable turnout of youth groups, non-government organizations, church youth organizations, and dedicated volunteers.
In a display of international solidarity, His Excellency Matthew Howell, the New Zealand Commissioner, and esteemed staff, along with the First Secretary of the Australian High Commission in Tonga, joined hands with the Director of the US Peace Corps and dedicated volunteers.
200+ participants together, effortlessly surpassed the week’s daily target of planting 20,000 mangroves.
This collective effort vividly illustrates the importance of community engagement and unity in addressing the immediate challenges posed by climate change in our vulnerable small island kingdom.
This collaborative endeavor also aligns with one of Tonga’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets of planting 1 million trees by 2023.
Through today’s actions and the events scheduled throughout this week, the department aims to empower communities with the understanding that everyone can contribute to combating climate change and securing Tonga’s prosperous future simply by planting a tree “will benefit the future generations protecting them from the rising sea levels, especially the coastal communities” reflected Titie Kaufusi representative of the Youth Dioceses of Tonga and Niue
The “From Talanoa to Action” Initiative serves as a beacon of hope and an example of how small-scale, grassroots efforts can have a profound impact on mitigating the effects of climate change.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors and donors, the NDC Partnership and the Tonga Fourth National Communication Project (4NC), for their unwavering support and commitment to our cause.
Their contributions have played a pivotal role in making today’s initiative a reality, and we are deeply appreciative of their dedication to the future well-being of Tonga.
Tonga’s Department of Climate Change remains committed to nurturing environmental stewardship among its youth and driving tangible change for a sustainable tomorrow.
