By Katalina Siasau
Ahead of Worlds Ocean Day, HRH Prince Taufa'ahau Manumataongo launched a children's book titled ‘Mele and the Map of The Great Blue Kingdom’ today in Nuku'alofa.
The book written by Fononga Vainga Mangisi-Mafile'o and produced by the Department of Environment teaches ocean management.
Under the theme "Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet," the event held at Ancient Tonga, delivered a strong message about the responsible care and protection of the ocean.
HRH Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku'aho delivered the keynote address, emphasizing Tonga's deep connection to the sea.
"Tonga is 99.9% ocean. Our ocean feeds us, protect our islands, and carries our cultures and stories," she said.
"We believe something simple: when we take care of the ocean, the ocean takes care of us."
She highlighted Tonga's goals of ensuring 30% of its ocean is fully protected and 100% is cared for in the right way.
"Marine protected areas help us to reach these goals. When we protect special places in the ocean, the fish returns, coral becomes healthier, and our coasts stay safer, and our families who fish have more to catch. A strong ocean means a strong future," she said.
The CEO for Environment (MEIDECC) Sione 'Akau'ola addressed growing environmental concerns.
"Today, our ocean faces growing pressures from climate change, coastal erosions, and declining marine ecosystems," he said.
World Oceans Day 2026 will be observed globally on Monday, 8 June 2026.
