Tonga marks the International Ozone Day ^Featured

The Acting CEO for the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) Mr ‘Ofa Fa’anunu told students they play a crucial role in protecting the ozone.

“To protect our future generation and demonstrate Tonga’s commitment to save the earth, we must join hands to determine the best way to adopt alternatives that will not exacerbate the phenomenal of global warming, to the extent possible.”

“It is significant for you students to know about the government’s activities and initiatives because you will be Tonga’s future and these issues are equally important to ensure the safety of our environment.”

According to Fa’anunu the Government of Tonga were happy to join hands with the global community in celebrating the Ozone Day.

“On the occasion of 2016 International Day, we are deeply delighted of being part of the global community that devoted this day to celebrate and promote the protection of the fragile ozone layer, which protects the earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun,” he said.

“Since the ratification to the Montreal Protocol in July 1998, the Government of Tonga has implemented a number of activities to phase-out consumption of these harmful ozone-depleting substances without having adverse impact to our people and economic.”

Fa’anunu stated that the Tongan Government noted the importance of close collaboration with the public to celebrate this significant day.

“The government fully recognised that close cooperation and support from the general public is very critical. International Ozone Day is the moment that all of us not only in Tonga but also in other countries jointly celebrate the protection of the ozone layer.”

“It is the moment to think how we can maintain the momentum of phasing out ozone-depleting substances and at the same time, maximizing climate benefits in the future.”

Regional Representative from United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) Mr. Pipat Poopeerasupong said the Montreal Protocol has enabled the phase-out consumption of ozone depleting substances.

“The Montreal Protocol is the first and only global environmental treaties to achieve universal ratification with 197 parties by December 2014. As of to date, the Montreal Protocol has been able to phase-out consumption of ozone depleting substances for about 2.5 million metric tonnes or about 98%,” he said.

“The ozone layer is healing itself and is expected to recover by the middle of this century. It is estimated that the ozone layer protection may prevent up to 2 million cases of skin cancer globally each year by 2030.”

Poopeerasupong also reaffirmed the UNEP Compliance Assistance Programme commitment to work closely with the Government of Tonga.

“UNEP Compliance Assistance Programme will continue to work closely with the Government of Tonga to support the country’s efforts to comply with all obligations under the Montreal Protocol.”

“Moreover as alternatives to ozone depleting substances may have different properties, we will work together to ensure that the Kingdom of Tonga can adopt these ozone and climate-friendly alternatives in a safe and proper manner.”

The schools that attended the program included Tonga High School, ‘Apifo’ou College, Havelu Middle School, St Andrew High School and Ocean of Light, Hilliard Memorial School.

Certificates were also awarded to participants in the Ozone Depleting Substances Workshop in the beginning of this week.

The Fili Tonu Drama Group also entertained students and guests by performing an item on the importance of protecting the Ozone Layer.

-MEIDECC