NZ provides funds to phase out single use plastics in Tonga [1]
Tuesday, June 22, 2021 - 19:38
A New Zealand grant of $30,000 pa’anga to plan the phase out of single use plastics was provided to Tonga today, 22 June.
New Zealand High Commissioner, HE Tiffany Babington, handed over the contribution to MEIDECC CEO Paula Ma’u.
The funds for this project follows on from funding of up to $49,000 pa’anga already provided by the High Commissioner to the “No Pelesitiki” Campaign since its launch in 2018
The campaign has engaged an increasing number of stakeholders through raising awareness activities including monthly rubbish collections, talanoa sessions, and Lalanga ‘oa (making local disposal bags).
Plastic is now the second largest waste component in Tonga.
“They break up in micro-plastics and end up in our waterways and oceans where they harm sea and bird life and enter our food chains. We are the generation who has created this plastic waste and we have a responsibility to our youth and future generations to phase out and ban its single use,” the High Commissioner said.
While the Tongan Government approved a ban on the phasing out of single-use plastics in 2019, no policy, plan or legislation is currently in place to ensure the phase out begins.
MEIDECC CEO Paula Ma’u said the financial assistance through New Zealand has been timely in order to commence implementation of the Cabinet decision by developing a roadmap to phasing out of single use plastics.
“This Roadmap will be developed by relevant stakeholders, representatives from the private sector, government, non-government and communities to pave the way on how Tonga will phase out single use plastics.”
The New Zealand High Commission Fund - Tonga supports small scale, short-term community projects that contribute to wider community development and well-being.