For Immediate Release
June 9, 2015

EXHIBITION/OPEN DAY FOR TONGA ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS WEEK 5TH JUNE 2015

Tonga National Environment Awareness Week came to a close on the 5th of June 2015 with an Exhibition/Open Day that was held at the Queen Salote College Hall. Number of key relevant stakeholders participated in the Open Day namely; the Department of Natural Resources, MLNR; Ministry of MEIDECC; Department of Fisheries, MAFFF; Consumer Affairs Division, MCL; Tourism Division, MOI & Digicel. It was an exciting day, with students from both Primary and High Schools participating in the event, observing information that were showcased and displayed from participating government Ministries and companies.

The Official Closing of the Exhibition/Open Day for Tonga Environment Awareness Week was conducted by the Department of Environment, with the guest of Honour being the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for MEIDECC. The official programme opened with an opening prayer by Rev. Timote Fangalahi; welcomed by the CEO for MEIDECC, Mr. Paula Ma’u; and the opening remarks from the Guest of Honour, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni. “This is the week that stimulates awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and public action”, says Hon. Sovaleni. “Tonga’s national theme, ‘Healthy Nature – Happy Tonga’, is how well-being of the people, the environment and economies ultimately depends on the responsible management of our natural resources”.

During the official programme, the Department of Environment launched its Biodiversity Rapid Assessment (BIORAP) synthesis report that was delivered by Ms. ‘Ana Fekau, Integrated Island Biodiversity Programme Coordinator. This comprehensive report will assist decision-makers in their future planning for the Vava’u archipelago. It is in the hope that we are to conduct such a biodiversity survey for the rest of the island groups.

The event was also fortunate to have the presence of two honourable Ministers from the Ministry of Health – Hon. Saia Piukala, and the Ministry of Public Enterprise – Hon. Poasi Tei, who were given the opportunity to award prizes for winners of competitions that were conducted during the National Environment Awareness Week on promoting energy efficiency and the management of our Fanga’uta Lagoon.

The event also included a fashion show from a Drama Group known as the Seleka Arts showcasing their creative arts of Recycled Fashion Design. Face painting, drawings and other recreational activities were conducted in which students from primary and high schools participated in.
The success of the event would not have been possible without the active participation of key relevant stakeholders, the dedication of the staff from the Ministry, and sponsors from the business community.

For more information please contact:
Ms. Haunani Ngata
Communications Officer, Department of Environment
MEIDECC