The Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning, and Natural Resources has announced that Tonga’s Active Hunga Volcano has been officially recognised as one of the “Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites.” This recognition was revealed during the 37th International Geological Congress (IGC) in Busan, South Korea, on August 27, 2024.
The recognition highlights the extraordinary geological significance of the Active Hunga Volcano, following its dramatic eruption in 2022, which captivated global attention. The eruption, one of the most significant in recent history, has secured the volcano’s place among the world’s most important geological sites.
Hon. Lord Tu’i’afitu, Tonga’s Minister of Lands, Survey, Planning, and Natural Resources, expressed immense pride in this achievement. “The inclusion of the Active Hunga Volcano in the ‘Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites’ is a proud moment for Tonga. It highlights the unique geological features of our nation and emphasises the importance of preserving and studying these natural wonders. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our local and international scientific communities,” he said.
This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Geoscience Division of the Pacific Community (SPC), the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning, and Natural Resources, and scientists from across the region and beyond. Their combined expertise, both before and after the 2022 eruption, contributed to the global acknowledgment of the Active Hunga Volcano’s significance.
