We have encouraging news of progress on the aquaculture project that we are supporting!
First and foremost, for the sake of transparency, the original site has been moved from the Ha'apai island group to the village of Sopu, which is located on the main island of Tongatapu. This project migration was decided by our partners, The Civil Society Forum of Tonga, who believed that the original site was no longer a viable location due to oversight and environmental impact concerns.
The fish ponds have been designed and their exact locations and dimensions determined after a land transect survey was done to find the optimal hydrographic conditions. Site prep is underway, which includes the planting of 10,000 mangroves, which is an awesome climate change and biodiversity measure in its own right.
Our partners in Tonga are taking a very scientifically appropriate & thorough approach to habitat, which will translate to better viability in the long run.
The photo was provided by the TNYC (Tonga National Youth Congress). The TNYC was conducting mangrove planting at the site, which is a crucial first step in habitat restoration before the fish ponds are constructed. Construction of the ponds will start later this month.