The Kingdom of Tonga has become the first Pacific Island country to host a Climate Finance Readiness Writeshop and Validation Exercise, marking a major step in building national capacity to access international climate finance. Held in Nuku’alofa from 4–7 March 2025, the event was co-hosted by the Pacific Community (SPC) and Tonga’s Ministry of Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC).
The Writeshop, part of SPC’s Regional Readiness Programme supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), provided practical, hands-on training to 42 participants from government, civil society, and the private sector on developing quality funding proposals. Key tools introduced included the Woven Logical Framework and the Project Idea Note Template (PINT), which integrate gender and social inclusion, environmental and social safeguards, and monitoring strategies.
As part of the programme the participants visited a mangrove restoration project to observe community-based adaptation efforts in practice. The event concluded with a Validation Exercise refining the Tonga Climate Change Fund proposal, ensuring alignment with national priorities. Tonga’s pioneering effort sets a precedent for other Pacific nations, as SPC continues to roll out similar initiatives across the region to boost climate finance readiness.
The Kingdom of Tonga has become the first Pacific Island country to host a Climate Finance Readiness Writeshop and Validation Exercise – a milestone for the region in enhancing national capacity to access international climate finance and implement effective climate adaptation projects.
Co-hosted by the Pacific Community (SPC) through its Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability (CCES) Division and Tonga’s Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), the event was held in Nuku’alofa from 4–7 March 2025. It brought together 42 government officials, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders to build their knowledge and skills in climate finance proposal development.
The Writeshop, delivered under SPC’s Regional Readiness Programme and supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), focused on practical training. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions to learn how to design quality funding proposals that align with global donor requirements. The training was aimed at overcoming one of the most significant challenges faced by Pacific Island countries—navigating the complex processes required to access climate finance.
According to Lu’isa Tu’iafitu Malolo, Director of Climate Change at MEIDECC, “Tonga is the first Pacific Island country to participate in this Writeshop. It strengthens our knowledge and skills for developing quality project concept notes and proposals for submission to donors. It also enhances our capacities to effectively implement, monitor, and evaluate climate change projects in Tonga.”.
One of the highlights of the Writeshop was the introduction of two key tools developed by SPC’s Climate Finance Unit: the Woven Logical Framework and the Project Idea Note Template (PINT). These tools provide step-by-step guidance for developing climate project proposals, while integrating important cross-cutting themes such as Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI), Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS), and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL).
“The Woven Logical Framework and PINT are interesting and innovative tools for us,” said Director Malolo. “The PINT provides valuable guidance when developing project concept notes and proposals across government ministries and local stakeholders.”
Participants applied these tools in collaborative breakout sessions focused on real project ideas, enhancing their readiness to develop strong submissions to donors such as the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund. The training sessions were not only technical but also grounded in the local context, encouraging teamwork and real-time feedback.
As part of the programme, participants also visited the Sopu coastal area to observe a mangrove restoration initiative under the 1 Million Tree Project led by Tonga's Department of Climate Change and the Tonga Citizens Science Initiative. This site visit allowed participants to witness firsthand how principles like GESI and ESS are applied in the implementation of community-based climate adaptation projects. The exposure bridged theory and practice, reinforcing the importance of inclusive design and safeguards in project planning.
Participants shared their reflections on the knowledge gained during the Writeshop:
“Thank you for helping me gain more knowledge and understand further on climate project development... just being able to take time to share your knowledge with us,” said Susan Tuitavake Moala, Senior Forestry Officer. Lesieli Fekita Moe Lotu Huihahau, an Agriculture Officer, added, “I came with little awareness on this side and now I am fully aware of climate finances and how to develop a concept note.”
The event concluded with a Validation Exercise that reviewed the full funding proposal for the Tonga Climate Change Fund (TCCF)—a joint initiative by SPC and MEIDECC. The session offered an opportunity to refine the proposal with stakeholder input to ensure it meets funding standards and aligns with Tonga’s national climate change priorities.
Tonga’s leadership in hosting and participating in this Writeshop sets an encouraging precedent for other Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS). The success of the event reflects the country’s commitment to building local capacity and advancing its climate finance readiness.
SPC will continue delivering its commitment to support countries in unlocking climate finance and building regional resilience. As the region faces increasing climate risks, capacity-strengthening initiatives such as this Writeshop are vital for ensuring that Pacific communities have the tools and support they need to secure funding for sustainable adaptation solutions.
For more information contact:
- Kara Medina, Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) & Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) Officer – Climate Finance Projects, Pacific Community (SPC) - karam@spc.int
- Dirk Snyman, Climate Finance Coordinator, Pacific Community (SPC) - dirks@spc.int
- Jacinta Lal, Communications Assistant, CCES, Pacific Community (SPC) – jacintal@spc.int