09th October 2018 After a week of consultations in the Ha’apai island group, the Tonga Oceans 7 Marine Spatial Planning team is excited with the general support and feedback from members of the different communities they have consulted with so far.
Since arriving in Pangai on Monday, October 1, the team, led by MSP Project Officer Ms Lilieta Takau, have been busy on the rounds daily with consultation visits.
Visits so far had included a briefing with the Governor of Ha’apai, Rev Dr Tevita Mohenoa Puloka, government officials in Pangai, tourist operators and members of the different communities in Hihifo, Pangai, Holopeka, Koulo, ‘Uiha, Faleloa and Kauvai Ha’ano.
“It has been exciting so far and we have recorded very good turnouts at the different venues and received very good feedback from the different stakeholders,” Ms Takau said.
“One thing we have found out is the fact that people are informed and they have genuine issues that they are raising.
“At the same time there have been some clarifications needed on the different programs like the Special Management Areas (SMAs) which we have been able to offer on the spot.
“All in all the support for the MSP and to have an Ocean Plan is there and we thank all those who have come forward to meet with us, listen to us and also give us their feedbacks.”
Ms Takau said the first round of consultations in Ha’apai will continue next week before the team heads back to Tongatapu and prepare for their visit to Vava’u.
She added that the consultations will probably see a second round where draft recommendations by the Tonga Oceans 7 team will be brought back to the people.
The consultation team includes consultant Dr Vailala Matoto; the Head of the Biodiversity Unit of the Department of Environment (MEIDECC) Ms Ta’hirih Hokafonu; Ms Halalilika Etika of the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Survey; Ms Lu’isa Fihaki of the Ministry of Tourism; Mr Taufa Fainga’anuku, the Officer in Charge of the Fisheries Department in Ha’apai; Ms Lu’isa Taunga, Officer in Charge of MEIDECC, Ha’apai and Mr Iliesa Tora, the National Communication/Information Officer for the Department of Environment.
The team underwent training in Nuku’alofa earlier this month before they carried out a pilot consultation meeting with the members of the Ha’atafu community.
The consultations in Ha’apai will run until October 12.
Other outer island consultations will be held as follows:
- October 15-29 in Vava’u,
- October 30 – November 7 in Niuatoputapu,
- November 14-21 in Niuafo’ou and
- November 26 – December 1 in ‘Eua
Feedback from members of the community will be used by the team to help draft proposals to the Tonga Oceans 7 Technical Working Group that will work on writing up the Ocean Plan for Tonga.
Funds for the consultations is being made available by the MACBIO Project, VEPA, WAITT Institute, Oceans5 and the Marine Protected Area project, which is funded by the Italian Government.
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For more information please contact Ms Lilieta Takau on: 7821090 or Communication Officer: Iliesa Tora on 8467762