Artwork made out of recycled materials was exhibited to raise awareness of climate change, at the launch of Tonga’s Joint National Action Plan on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (JNAP2), at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall today, 17 August.

The exhibition was part of National Climate Change Awareness Week, involving schools, Tonga Red Cross, Tonga National Youth Congress and other organisations, as well as government departments.

A variety of stalls showcased recycled materials, artwork, renewable energy, organic food, and natural hand made products. Performances including groups singing and dancing, and school children citing poems and modelling clothes made out of recycled material such as plastic bottles, cans, and paper.

Minister for the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), Hon. Poasi Tei said the exhibition and the JNAP2 launch was important to raise awareness for all Tongans to work together to combat climate change.

“With guidance from the JNAP2 over ten years, 2018-2028, the government aims to significantly increase Tonga’s resilience to the impacts of climate change and enhance our management of disaster risks,” he said.

The action plan was completed after consultation with various stakeholders, including communities, NGO’s and government line ministries.

The Fo’i Tuluta Women’s group from Ha’atafu, led by chairperson Melesila Autolofi Wileat, is one community who are proactive in combating climate change.

"We have been encouraging our community not to burn plastic but to recycle it. For example, we use plastic bottles as pot plants and use a coconut wrap around them so it looks nice," they said. 

The group are also growing organic food without the use of pesticides.