Nuku‘alofa, Tonga: The Government of Tonga today officially launched the Ridge to Reef (R2R) Community Grants Initiative, marking a significant step in translating national climate and environmental priorities into community‑led action across the country.

The initiative forms part of Tonga’s national Ridge to Reef programme, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It applies an integrated approach that links land, coastal and marine ecosystems, recognising that Tonga’s environment, livelihoods and culture are deeply connected from ridge to reef.

Through the Community Grants Initiative, USD 570,000 is being invested directly into communities across 33 communities in total – 26 in Tongatapu and 7 in Vava‘u. The initiative empowers civil society organisations, women and young people to lead practical solutions in climate resilience, ecosystem restoration and sustainable livelihoods, while strengthening national delivery under the Prime Minister’s 100‑Day Plan and the Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2035.

Implementation is led by four national civil society organisations, each bringing complementary strengths at the community level. Langafonua ‘a Fafine Tonga will support women‑led sustainable livelihoods and environmental stewardship, including a South–South learning exchange with women’s groups from Lau, Fiji. The Civil Society Forum of Tonga will strengthen community governance, coordination and accountability. The Tonga National Youth Congress will mobilise young people to support community action and data collection, while Coastal Green Initiative will lead mangrove restoration and coastal ecosystem protection to strengthen resilience along Tonga’s shores.

Speaking at today’s national launch, Sione ‘Akau‘ola, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), said the initiative reflects a shift from policy and planning into delivery on the ground:

“This initiative places trust and resources directly in the hands of communities and civil society. By working together across government, communities, women and youth, we are strengthening livelihoods, restoring ecosystems and building long‑term resilience in a way that is inclusive, coordinated and nationally owned.”

The Honourable Prime Minister and Minister for MEIDECC, Lord Fakafanua, said the initiative demonstrates Tonga’s commitment to whole‑of‑society action in addressing climate and environmental challenges:

“From our land to our oceans, our natural resources sustain our livelihoods, our culture and our identity. The Ridge to Reef programme brings together government, communities, civil society and development partners under a shared vision of a resilient Tonga, where communities are not just beneficiaries, but leaders of change.”

Looking ahead, the Community Grants Initiative will contribute directly to Tonga’s second Voluntary National Review and strengthen national monitoring through the MEIDECC Dashboard and the National Monitoring System, supporting evidence‑based decision‑making and accountability. The initiative will also help position Tonga’s Ridge to Reef approach on the regional and global stage, including at upcoming pre‑COP and COP meetings, as an example of integrated, community‑led climate and environmental action.

As implementation moves forward, the Government of Tonga, with support from UNDP and the GEF, will continue to build partnerships, scale community impact and mobilise future investment to protect Tonga’s environment and secure a resilient future for generations to come.

For more information contact:

Nick Turner | Communications, Advocacy and Partnerships Specialist, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | nicholas.turner@undp.org