The Tonga National University (TNU) has partnered with the National Ozone Unit of the Department of Climate Change at MEIDECC to boost ozone-layer science awareness.
The awareness workshop, held in Nukuʻalofa, was convened by the National Ozone Unit as part of its outreach programme, and TNU accepted the invitation to host the event.
Áloisio Fifita (National Ozone Officer). Image: Department of Climate Change, MEIDECC
Led by Mr Áloisio Fifita (National Ozone Officer), Mr Sau Niulala (Deputy CEO, Customs Border Control) and Mr Fatafehi Fakatava (from the Tonga Refrigeration and Engineering Association), the session covered the formation of the ozone layer via the Chapman Cycle, the role of customs in controlling ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol, and the need to establish an accredited refrigeration & air-conditioning training course at TNU.
TNU Vice-Chancellor Dr Giulio Masaso Pāunga said the partnership could “strengthen TNU’s science and research capacity … through potential climate change funding support” and hoped it would become an ongoing collaboration rather than a one-off event.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Tangikina Moimoi Steen, senior lecturers, academic staff and students from various faculties, along with representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training, attended. The Ministry expressed strong support for integrating ozone science and climate-change topics into Tonga’s education curriculum.
The initiative builds on previous awareness programs delivered by the National Ozone Unit at the former Teachers’ Training College (now part of TNU) over the past five years, with the objective of equipping educators to pass on knowledge about the ozone layer and environmental protection to subsequent generations.
Image: Department of Climate Change, MEIDECC
Tonga’s commitment to environmental protection, particularly via the Montreal Protocol and related ozone-layer activities, aligns with regional efforts. Earlier in 2025, Tonga hosted a Pacific Network meeting of National Ozone Officers where delegates from 14 Pacific island nations attended technical workshops on HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) licensing and quota systems.
