His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala, during the launch, said:

“Koe me'a mahu'inga foki mo 'enau founga ngāue ‘oku kau ai mo hono fakatolonga ‘a e ngaahi ‘ilo tukufakaholo mo e poto'i-founga 'a e fonua. ‘Oku ‘ikai ke nau fie feilaulau ha me'a ko e langa fakalakalaka ka 'e paotoloaki mo e ngaahi ‘ulungaanga fakafonua. Kā ‘e poupou ma'u pē 'e Tonga ‘a e ngaahi ngāue mo e kau ngāue ‘oku nau feau ‘etau ngaahi fiema'u vivili, mo a'utonu ki he ngaahi komiunitī. ‘Oku ou tui ko ‘enau sio ki he kaha'u mo e ngaahi liliu ‘oku hoko ‘i māmani, he ‘ikai ke tau lava o pule'i ha me'a, ka ko ‘etau uli'i fohe hao pē ki he ‘etau taumu'a ne ‘osi tala ki he fakalakalaka.”

“One of the key strengths of this project’s approach lies in its promotion of sustainable environmental practices that bring direct benefits to local families. It ensures that knowledge and practices are retained within communities, continuing beyond the life of the project. This initiative represents a meaningful step in harmonising our traditional values with modern environmental action. Tonga remains committed to development cooperation that supports our national priorities and helps us respond to challenges beyond our control. While these challenges are significant, we must continue to persevere and work collectively to overcome them.”

UNDP Pacific Office Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel said:

“This project addresses the challenges and vulnerabilities that Tonga faces as a small island developing state on the frontline of the climate crisis. It also reflects the resilience, wisdom, and agency of Tonga’s people, who have been stewards of their natural resources for generations. As we embark on this new chapter through the R2R project, we reaffirm our commitment to national ownership, partnership, and capacity building.”

A key highlight of the workshop was a discussion on improving the ecological health of the Fangauta Lagoon. In addition to nature-based solutions such as mangrove restoration and sustainable land-use practices, the project will explore targeted dredging interventions to improve water circulation and reduce sedimentation. This integrated approach aims to enhance water quality and biodiversity within the lagoon, restore critical habitats for marine and bird life, support sustainable fisheries and eco-tourism opportunities, and complement ongoing community-led conservation efforts.

Participants included traditional leaders, government officials, faith-based organisations, community representatives, NGOs, and technical experts across sectors such as environment, agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.

The R2R project represents a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, integrating land, coastal, and marine management to ensure a resilient and thriving future for Tonga’s people and ecosystems.

For more information, please contact:

Ashna Kumar, Communications Associate | UNDP Pacific Office | (E) Ashna.kumar@undp.org