The Kingdom of Tonga has made significant progress in environmental governance by concluding a vital five-day workshop aimed at developing guidelines for terrestrial aggregate mining and environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes. This important event occurred from October 13 to 17, 2025, and was co-organized by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) alongside Tonga’s Department of Environment (DoE), with support from the consultancy group Care of Our Environment (COOE).
Siosina Katoa, Acting Director of the DoE, emphasized the crucial role these guidelines play in promoting sustainable resource management while also contributing to broader developmental goals. She expressed appreciation to SPREP and COOE for their partnership in this essential initiative.
The workshop convened more than 20 participants from various government sectors, including the DoE, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ministry of Police, Department of Geology, and Ministry of Infrastructure. This gathering highlighted a collaborative effort to formulate the Terrestrial Aggregate Mining Guidelines and create an operations manual that aligns with Tonga’s existing legal frameworks, land tenure systems, and institutional setups.
Easter Chu Shing, SPREP’s Deputy Director General, underscored the need to strike a balance between infrastructure development and environmental sustainability. Given the increasing demand for materials for development, she pointed out the urgent need for efficient and sustainable extraction methods that can fulfill future infrastructure demands while ensuring the protection of the land and waters that local communities depend on.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in intensive discussions about sustainable mining practices that meld traditional knowledge with modern extraction techniques. They also participated in practical exercises to refine draft guidelines that address real-world conditions, aiming to finalize documents tailored to Tonga’s unique context.
Field visits to both operational and abandoned quarries on Tongatapu provided participants with direct insights into the realities of aggregate mining, reinforcing discussions on rehabilitation strategies for degraded areas and the critical importance of planning for land restoration from the start of mining activities.
The Terrestrial Aggregate Mining Guidelines and Operations Manual stand out as they explicitly link EIA requirements to the permitting processes for mining and quarry activities. With clear, step-by-step guidance, these tools are set to assist government regulators and the private sector in promoting sustainable mining practices that reduce environmental impacts, aligning perfectly with Tonga’s development aspirations.
Looking ahead, this initiative offers hope that Tonga will continue to lead the way in sustainable resource management practices, ensuring that economic progress does not compromise environmental integrity. The workshop signifies a proactive dedication to balancing developmental needs with ecological responsibility, showcasing the potential for a sustainable future anchored in mindful resource governance.