By Linny Folau

A NZD$7.2 million Climate Resilient Islands Programme focusing on nature-based solutions to climate change in rural communities in Tonga was launched, in Nuku'alofa on September 7.

The programme will work with rural communities in Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati, and Vanuatu funded by the New Zealand government.

Nature-based solutions include replanting mangroves, reforestation and natural resource management including the addition of eight Special Management Areas in targeted coastal communities.

In Tonga, this approach will support 60 communities in ‘Eua, Vava’u and Ha’apai to adapt their resources to the ongoing pressures of climate change. The programme will be implemented by Live & Learn Tonga.

Prime Minister Hon Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa said that Tonga is vulnerable to climate change and disasters caused by natural hazards. “We need to improve our capacity and how we fight against climate change and natural hazards, so that our people will have a sustainable livelihood, health and well-being by 2030 and beyond.”

New Zealand High Commissioner, HE Tiffany Babington said, “New Zealand’s partnership with Live & Learn is part of our commitment to tackling climate change alongside our Pacific partners.”

A total of NZD$7.2 million was being invested by New Zealand in Live & Learn up to 2025, to strengthen community resilience and adaptive capacity to the impacts of climate change in Tonga, Fiji Kiribati and Vanuatu, she said.

The event held at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre was attended by government officials, Live & Learn representatives, development partners and community leaders from the outer islands.