The Kingdom of Tonga is progressing significantly towards enhancing its climate resilience with the upcoming completion of Lidar mapping over its low-lying islands. This initiative aims for comprehensive national Lidar coverage by 2026 through the Tonga Coastal Resilience Project (TCRP).
Tonga Coastal Resilience Project Overview
The TCRP is funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It seeks to improve Tonga’s capabilities to gather, manage, and analyze crucial coastal and climate risk data.
- Funding: Green Climate Fund
- Implementation: UNDP in partnership with the Government of Tonga
- Participating Organizations: Pacific Community (SPC) and Fugro
Lidar Mapping Significance
The Lidar mapping will facilitate key activities such as risk modeling, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure planning. A notable survey took place from March 21 to April 18, 2026, covering the islands of Tongatapu and Ha’apai. This marks the establishment of a complete national Lidar baseline for Tonga.
Technical Collaboration and Capacity Building
The successful execution of the Lidar survey involved robust collaboration between various entities. Technical teams from SPC worked closely with Fugro, a leading geodata specialist, and the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources (MLSNPR) in Tonga. Other ministries, including the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change, and Communications (MEIDECC), and the Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI), also played critical roles in coordination.
Data Utilization
The data gathered will lead to the development of coastal risk maps, aiding in evidence-based climate adaptation strategies. This initiative is crucial for reinforcing national ownership of climate information systems and building long-term technical skills within governmental institutions.
Historical Context of Lidar Surveys in Tonga
Tonga has a history of Lidar surveys aimed at enhancing climate adaptation:
- 2012 Survey: Funded by the Australian Government under the PACCSAP program, covering Tongatapu, Lifuka, and Foa.
- 2021 Survey: Funded by the World Bank through the PREP, covering ‘Eua, Vava’u, Tafahi, and Niuatoputapu.
- 2026 Survey: Funded by the Green Climate Fund as part of the TCRP, covering Tongatapu and Ha’apai for unified national Lidar coverage.
Future Implications
The completion of Lidar mapping will enhance flood modeling and coastal management efforts. It will enable safer infrastructure designs and improved strategies for responding to sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
By investing in robust geospatial data systems, Tonga aims to empower informed decision-making that safeguards its communities and ecosystems for the future.
