by Linny Folau

Tonga has a high level of vulnerability to climate hazards and over the next five years will start planning to be better prepared to cope with the increased risks of climate change.

Tonga is one of only three Pacific countries chosen to pilot a Strategic Program for Climate Resilience (SPCR) under a global climate change initiative.

The five years development planning program, to start in early 2014, will focus on the most vulnerable sectors and communities, while building capacity in climate change adaptation and disaster management at community and national levels.

Tonga was selected due to its high level of vulnerability to climate hazards. The program will be financed under a Climate Investment Fund, a multi-donor trust fund funded by multilateral development banks. 

Tonga's Strategic Program for Climate Resilience will have access to funding of up to US$20 million to be facilitated by the Asian Development Bank.

Impact

Lord Ma'afu

Lord Ma'afu the Minister for Lands, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources opened a SPCR/Joint National Action Plan Design Workshop at Tungi Colonnade in Nuku'alofa today.

He said Tonga had experienced the detrimental impacts of natural disasters in the last 20 years. Remedial actions should be urgently taken otherwise these impacts will worsen in the future, he said.

The workshop will provide a good opportunity to strengthen and enhance coordination among national stakeholders, he said. "I urge you to commit to practical and tangible solutions and to always keep foremost in your hearts and minds the wellbeing of the people of Tonga now and in the future."

The Minister acknowledged the support and commitment of development partners in providing much needed resources to implement climate change programs and projects, and acknowledged ADB's contribution and facilitation from the SPCR Team. 

Feedback

The one-day workshop is the second phase of the program which shared information with key stakeholders who are looking at capacity building, climate financing and eco-system/climate-proofing infrastructure, while getting feedback on final details to enable a draft programme to be updated.

It was attended by representatives from ADB, SPCR, government, civil societies and others.