World Environment Day was marked yesterday at the Epworth Hall in Nuku’alofa by a Government–community conservation initiative against plastic pollution.
The World Environment Day Expo featured exhibits from NGOs, community groups, and Government departments. A panel of judges awarded cash prizes to standout booths promoting crafts, traditional cooking and plastic‑free innovations.
The event forms part of Phase II of the Ridge to Reef Project, a partnership between Tonga’s Department of Environment and the UNDP. It’s designed to strengthen biodiversity conservation and enforcement measures.
Her Royal Highness Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho delivered the keynote speech stating, “The plastic pollution crisis threatens the very essence of our Pacific way of life… it harms our people – especially our children.”
Princess Sinaitakala praised the “Government of Tonga, … MEIDECC co‑partnering with the United Nations Development Programme” for leadership in organising the event. “May we continue to be guided by wisdom, unity, and purpose in our journey toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Tonga.”
In the lead‑up to World Environment Day, the Department engaged schools, communities and stakeholder groups across Tonga to foster awareness and action toward a healthier, greener future. This comes amid broader national environmental efforts—including Tonga’s National Single‑Use Plastics Roadmap, targeting reduction of plastic litter across Tongatapu and outer islands.
Looking ahead, Tonga aims to build on this momentum, empowering future generations to preserve their land and ocean heritage.
