Today, 15 May 2026, marks a significant milestone as the Climate Resilient Islands (CRI) Programme is officially handed over to the communities of Ha’apai after five years of partnership, collaboration, learning, and collective action. This occasion represents not only the successful completion of a programme, but also the continuation of a journey that has strengthened communities, built resilience, and empowered local leadership across the islands.

What began as a climate resilience initiative has grown into a strong and lasting relationship built on trust, shared responsibility, and a collective commitment to protecting the future of Tonga’s island communities. Over the past five years, the programme has worked alongside communities to support locally driven solutions that address the increasing impacts of climate change while strengthening sustainability, food security, and environmental resilience.

Throughout the implementation of the programme, communities were not simply participants — they became leaders of change. Community members played an active role in planning, decision-making, and implementing activities that directly benefited their villages and surrounding environments. Through continuous learning, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, communities strengthened their own capacities and developed solutions that will continue to create positive impacts long after the programme’s completion.

Through the Food Security and Ecosystem Restoration pathways, communities across Ha’apai have contributed to building stronger and more sustainable environments for future generations. Efforts to restore and protect natural ecosystems, improve local food systems, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and strengthen environmental stewardship have demonstrated the power of community-led resilience in action.

These achievements reflect the dedication and determination of communities working together to adapt to climate challenges while protecting the resources and livelihoods that future generations depend on. The progress made throughout the programme highlights how local leadership and collective action can create lasting and meaningful change.

This handover is not an ending, but rather a transition into the next chapter of community resilience. The knowledge, skills, partnerships, and momentum developed throughout the programme now remain in the hands of the communities themselves. The strength, resilience, and leadership demonstrated throughout this journey provide great confidence that these achievements will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.

A special congratulations is extended to the communities of Pangai, Fotua, Lotofoa, Ha’ano, and Muitoa for the accomplishments achieved together throughout this journey. Your hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment have laid the foundation for a stronger, safer, and more sustainable future for generations to come.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to our donor, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), for their invaluable support, partnership, and commitment throughout the implementation of the programme. We are honored by the presence of the two MFAT representatives who attended the handover ceremony, reflecting the strong partnership and shared vision that helped guide this programme over the past five years.

We further acknowledge the continued collaboration and support of our government stakeholders, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF), and the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC). Their partnership has played an important role in strengthening community resilience, sustainability, and climate adaptation efforts across the islands.

To every community member, partner, stakeholder, and supporter who contributed to this journey — MĀLŌ ‘AUPITO. Your commitment, resilience, and collective efforts continue to inspire hope for a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and empowered future for the people of Ha’apai and Tonga as a whole.

Together, we move forward with stronger communities, restored ecosystems, improved resilience, and a shared vision for protecting our islands for generations to come.