HM King Tupou VI officially opened Tongatapu Agricultural Show 2019 Featured
22 June, 2019. His Majesty King Tupou VI has urged Tongans to plant more trees and develop new initiatives to cope with the changing climate.
He made the comment while opening Tongatapu’s Agriculture, Fisheries, Tourim and Trade Show to commence the Royal Agricultural Show 2019 at Funga Manamo’ui Ground this morning.
In his Royal Address he said that climate change is a major challenge.
“The impact of climate change is evident but the question for us to consider is – What can we do to help ourselves? Climate Change brings seasonal shifts and we have to adopt new practices and methods to cope with the changing climate.”
He stated that it is important for the country to understand climate change because it has a far-reaching impact.
“This is the time for us to teach our children and train them how to earn livelihood and provide security for the family because once we passed on from this life they will know what to do since we shared our best practices and skills with them.”
“We still have time and it is crucial for us to work and at the same time think about climate change – to change our mentality, practices and livelihood.”
In response to the royal address the Minister for Fisheries Hon Semisi Fakahau acknowledged the presence of Their Majesties.
He said that farmers are empowered to be resilient despite the changing climate.
Hon Fakahau said the Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Trade and Economic Developments are still encouraging people to plant the Pandanus and Mulberry trees.
He said that the Special Management Area (SMA) Program is progressing well and the Cabinet approved five new villages to the program bringing the total SMAs to 46.
- MEIDECC
