Consultation on the use of ocean and marine resources as well as marine spatial planning (MSP) is currently underway in Vava’u with the Minister for MEIDECC, Hon Poasi Tei, joining the team today, 19 October 2018.

MSP Project Officer, Ms Lilieta Takau said the team is appreciative that the Minister and his team could join them.

“He wants to have a first-hand look at what is being done and to have the chance to listen to the community members on their view in regards to the MSP and also on the use of the ocean and marine resources.”

Feedback from members of the community will be used to help draft proposals to the Tonga Oceans 7 Technical Working Group that will work on writing up the Ocean Plan for Tonga.

The MSP consultation team has spent the past week in Vava’u, consulting with communities around the island group.

Over the past few days the team also visited the islands of Ofu and ‘Olo’ua islands and consultation has been held at Neiafu, Pangaimotu and Mataika, with more meetings scheduled for next week.

“It has been exciting so far and we received very good feedback from the different stakeholders,” said Lilieta.

“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 feedback.”

The Vava’u consultation will finish on 30 October.

Funds for the consultation are being made available by the MACBIO Project, VEPA, WAITT Institute, Oceans5 and the Marine Protected Area project, which is funded by the Italian Government.