13th October, 2017 A tree planting and fencing program was conducted this morning at the Government Primary School of Kolomotu’a as part of the Climate Change Awareness Program.
The event was facilitated by the Department of Climate Change and funded by the Australian Government.
Minister for MEIDECC Hon. Poasi Tei stated that this program will benefit the current and future generations of Kolomotu’a Government Primary School but most importantly it will help to address climate change.
He also thanked the Government of Australia for their continuous support in funding this project.
“Your continuous support to address climate change is greatly acknowledged and appreciated. Your support will benefit the current, and future generations.”
Australian High Commissioner to Tonga H.E. Mr. Andrew Ford said Australia is providing 20 million Pa’anga to Tonga on climate financing for 5 years and this project is a smaller scale example of all the work they have been doing to address climate change.
He also said that every tree makes a different including the trees that will be planted in this program.
“Plants are very important, they provide shade, shelter, fresh air for these schools and communities not only that but they promote food security and healthy diet but they also have historical and cultural significance and most importantly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission’s impact on climate change.”
Acting CEO for the Ministry of Education Mr. Ponapate Taunisila said sustainable development starts from education.
“Your commitment to the foundation of education helps us to not only teach tree planting and conserving our plants for the prosperity of our people but we hope it will become their behavior and that they will value that duty and responsibility in the future.
To mark the event, Hon. Poasi Tei, Minister for Education and Training Hon. Penisimani Fifita, Mr. Andrew Ford and Mr. Taunisila each planted a tree and a Shooter Group from the Australian Navy assisted them in putting up fencing support to protect the trees.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.