THE Environment and Climate Change Standing Committee commits to the conservation of the environment and addressing issues relating to the impacts of climate change.
Two briefing papers are now discussed by the Member at their meeting at 10am today.
One is Tonga integrated urban resilience sector project and the Integrated Environmental Management of Fanga’uta Lagoon Catchment.
The new urban development project co-funded by ADB and the Australian Aid through DFAT will be a detailed study into the current challenges of the Nuku’alofa area’s water supply, waste management, sanitation, drainage and how all these are affected by the projected impacts of climate change. It will commence in 2019.
The technical project design work is being undertaken by Egis Gau of France, in close collaboration with the Tongan Government and community stakeholders.
The Fanga’uta Lagoon Catchment GEF funded projects aims to conserve the ecosystem services of the lagoon and catchment through an integrated land, coastal management approach for protection of livelihoods, food production and enhancing climate resilience.
It is part of a Pacific Islands Ridge to Reef National priorities project Tonga included.
The project is one of the second proposed UNDP”s program focuses on improving the ecosystem services in the existing marine protected areas (Fanga’uta Lagoon) through integrated approaches to land, water, forest, biodiversity and coastal resource management.
Members of the Environment and Climate Change Standing Committee includes the Chairperson Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni (Tongatapu 3 People Representative), Vatau Hui (Niuas People’s Representative), Lord Tuívakano & Lord Tu’iha’angana (Noble Representatives for Tongatapu and Ha’apai respectively), the Minister of Education and Training Hon. Penisimani Fifita and the MEIDECC Minister Hon. Poasi Tei.