25th July 2019 The Green Climate Fund Tonga Readiness & Preparatory Support Programme (GCF-PRPS) under the Department of Climate Change, MEIDECC conducted a consultation meeting with local district and town officers of Ha’apai as part of the National Climate Change Awareness Week on the 25th July 2019 at Maamafo’ou Hall.
Local district and town officers have been gathered for an introduction to the GCF Tonga Country Programme (endorsed in October 2018), which consolidates national priorities initially drawn from both governments endorsed strategic plans and previous consultations for climate resilience to be developed into proposals for GCF Support.
Mr. Siupeli Pulu, the Officer in Charge for NEMO at MEIDECC Ha’apai, delivered the welcome remarks, welcoming the participants for making time to attend this consultation informing them that the Department of Climate Change has step up to provide awareness programs for districts and town officers to collaborate with local community to minimize the impacts of climate change by looking into the funding available from the Green Climate Fund.
GCF-PRPS Officers Ms. Malia ‘Avala presented the pipeline projects listed under the Tonga GCF Country Program, which are aligned with visions of the National Climate Change Policy and the Second Joint National Action Plan on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, to achieve a ‘Resilient Tonga by 2035’.
Town officers are considered that they need this type of funding to help assist with climate actions in their communities. This funding could also help to reduce climate change impacts and it will enhance the climate resilience in the communities.
The district officer of Lifuka Ha’apai, Mr. Siosaia Langi Tonga’onevai from Hihifo expressed his gratitude for this consultation meeting. “We are grateful that we have learned more of what we know about the funding and for the support. However, this will encourage us to keep looking for funding opportunity for the safe of the people of Ha’apai to combat the impacts of climate change as a whole”, he said.
Nua Veilofia, Senior Climate Finance Officer from the Department of Climate Change delivered the vote of thanks with appreciation for the participants for their active participation. The Department is grateful and it is with hope that this consultation will help to build a better future for Ha’apai.
ENDS
Issued by the Department of Climate Change (MEIDECC)