Tonga’s Clean-Up Campaign 2025 Champions a Greener Future for Tourism and Communities

The Tongan Tourism ministry has launched the Clean-Up Tonga Campaign 2025, a nationwide initiative to boost environmental stewardship, support sustainable tourism, and empower communities in making Tonga a cleaner and greener destination for both visitors and locals.

Kicking off on January 7, 2025, the campaign began with clean-up activities led by the Ministry’s Chief Executive Officer Viliami Takau and staff across key locations in Tongatapu—including Ha’atafu Beach, Halaika Beach, the Hihifo District, the Tongatapu 10 Constituency, and the Nuku’alofa Waterfront along Vuna Road. The Ministry’s NO PLASTIC awareness program was also launched, advocating for reduced plastic use and improved environmental practices across public beaches, waterfronts, and tourism sites.

“Tourism is a vital economic lifeline for Tonga, and preserving the beauty of our natural environment is central to maintaining our appeal as a unique island destination,” said CEO Takau. “This campaign is not just about picking up litter—it’s about fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and community pride.”

The Tourism ministry’s Beautification and Tourism Sites Development Division is leading the charge, working alongside a coalition of government and private stakeholders. These include the Department of Environment, Tonga Waste Authority, Ports Authority, MEIDECC, and local business sectors, churches, and community groups. The Ministry also acknowledges the strong partnership and leadership of Hon. Minister for Tourism, Mo’ale Finau.

To amplify impact, the Tonga Annual National Village Clean-Up Competition has been relaunched as part of the campaign. Open to all villages across Tonga—including the Far Niuas (Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou)—the competition promotes cleanliness in urban and rural areas through regular inspections. Winning villages will be awarded during the Annual Royal Agriculture, Fisheries, and Tourism & Trade Show in July or August.

In a bold step the Tongan Cabinet approved a new initiative on March 28, 2025 to establish a Monthly Inter-Government Ministries Clean-Up Campaign. This cabinet decision mandates all ministries to dedicate the last Friday of every month to cleaning their designated areas—fostering inter-agency cooperation, improving waste management, and setting a national standard for environmental sustainability.

The Ministry envisions a cleaner, more eco-friendly Tonga that continues to attract visitors with its natural beauty and warm hospitality. The Clean-Up Tonga Campaign 2025 is not only a response to growing environmental concerns but also a call to action for everyone—government, private sector, and civil society—to take ownership of Tonga’s future as a sustainable island destination.

ENDS.

Photo Credits: Ministry of Tourism Tonga

Source: Ministry of Tourism Tonga