A national workshop to strengthen Tonga’s legal and technical capabilities in maritime boundaries and extended continental shelf (ECS) work was opened at Vava’u on Monday, 20 October 2025.
The workshop was opened by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Dr. Uhilamoelangi Fasi, and the Governor of Vavaʻu, Lord Fakatulolo, who noted the importance of securing Tonga’s maritime jurisdiction under international law.
“This workshop marks a milestone in Tonga’s journey to safeguard our maritime zones and resources for future generations,” said Hon. Dr. Fasi. “Properly delineated maritime boundaries are vital for protecting our sovereignty and strengthening our voice in the region,” Lord Fakatulolo said.
The workshop brought together 20 officials from government agencies, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Attorney General’s Office, Department of Environment, Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources Authority, and Ministry of Infrastructure.
Tonga has made progress in establishing its maritime zones under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including one treaty in force with France (Wallis and Futuna). Meanwhile, advanced negotiations with Niue, Samoa, and the United States (American Samoa), while discussions with Fiji are still ongoing.
The programme is delivered in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Attorney-General’s Department of Australia.
The workshop will provide training on:
- UNCLOS fundamentals (UNCLOS 101)
- Maritime boundary delimitation and treaty negotiation
- Treaty processes including entry into force, deposit, and publication
- Geospatial applications and S-121 standards
Additional work may include updates to Tonga’s Maritime Zones Act 2009 and implementation of the 2021 Pacific Islands Forum Declaration on the permanence of maritime zones.
Funding
The National Maritime Boundaries and Extended Continental Shelf workshop is made possible with support from the Pacific Community (SPC) Maritime Boundaries Programme, a multi-year initiative funded by the Australian Government and United Kingdom Government, in collaboration with regional and international partners.
