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Tonga’s Oceans Plan: A Framework for Sustainable Management
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The Kingdom of Tonga is taking a significant step towards sustainable management of its oceans by integrating environmental, social, cultural, economic, conservation, and resource management policies at various levels.
According to the National Spatial Planning Act, the government aims to create an appropriate urban structure and form for development, providing equitable access to transportation, recreational, employment, and other opportunities. The Act also seeks to secure a pleasant, efficient, and safe working, living, and recreational environment for people in Tonga.
Defining Land and Water
The Act defines “land” as including land covered with water, setting the stage for marine spatial planning. Although there is some uncertainty about its application to ocean-based activities, the National Spatial Planning Agency confirms that it applies to seabed activities.
Petroleum Mining and Exploration
The Petroleum Mining Act 1969 provides for exploration licenses and petroleum agreements related to exploration, prospecting, and mining for petroleum in Tonga. The Act defines “off-shore land” as submerged lands within the archipelagic waters, internal waters, territorial sea, historical waters, and exclusive economic zone of the Kingdom.
Fisheries Management
The Fisheries Management Act 2002 and related Regulations provide for the conservation, management, sustainable use, and development of fisheries resources in Tonga. The Act defines “fish” as any aquatic animal or plant, and “fisheries waters” as the territorial waters of the Kingdom, internal waters, including lagoons, and other waters over which the Kingdom claims sovereign rights or jurisdiction.
Reviewing Ocean Use and Management
The government is reviewing legislation, policies, strategies, and plans related to ocean use and management to ensure a coordinated approach. Key areas of focus include:
- Marine biodiversity and conservation
- Living resources
- Monitoring, control, and surveillance
- Non-living resources
- Pollution and waste management
- Coastal systems
- Maritime transport
- Natural and environmental disasters
- Governance and management
- Science and technology
- Financial resources
- Marine spatial planning
The government is committed to balancing the present and future interests of all persons in Tonga, providing increased opportunities for public participation in planning and assessment. By integrating these policies and plans, the Kingdom aims to achieve sustainable development and conservation of its oceans for generations to come.
Key Takeaways
- The National Spatial Planning Act sets a framework for land-use planning, including marine spatial planning.
- The Petroleum Mining Act 1969 governs exploration, prospecting, and mining for petroleum in Tonga’s waters.
- The Fisheries Management Act 2002 regulates conservation, management, and sustainable use of fisheries resources.
- Review of legislation, policies, strategies, and plans is underway to ensure a coordinated approach to ocean use and management.
Next Steps
- Clarify the application of the National Spatial Planning Act to non-land, marine activities.
- Amend the Petroleum Mining Act 1969 to incorporate specific application to marine spatial planning.
- Continue reviewing legislation, policies, strategies, and plans related to ocean use and management.
- Provide opportunities for public participation in planning and assessment.
Sources
- National Spatial Planning Act
- Petroleum Mining Act 1969
- Fisheries Management Act 2002 and related Regulations