Tonga is on the verge of an important milestone for its climate resilience efforts. By 2026, it aims to have full Lidar coverage, making it one of the few Pacific Islands to achieve this. This project, known as the Tonga Coastal Resilience Project (TCRP), is funded by the Green Climate Fund and rolled out by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Tongan government.
Lidar, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a technology that helps map and analyze land. With this initiative, Tonga will be better equipped to gather and utilize essential climate-related data. This data can support various needs, including risk modeling for coastal areas, planning for sea-level rise, disaster readiness, and long-term adaptation strategies.
The initial phase of this effort involves a coastal mapping survey being conducted between March 21 and April 18, 2026, covering the Tongatapu and Ha’apai islands. The survey is managed by Fugro, a respected geodata specialist, in collaboration with local technical teams. This teamwork will not only gather vital data but also promote skill development within local institutions.
A significant aspect of the Lidar project is how it will develop detailed coastal risk maps and adaptation plans based on evidence. This data will empower Tonga to manage its climate risks more effectively and build a sustainable future.
Tonga’s journey with Lidar isn’t new; it has conducted previous surveys. A notable one happened in 2012 with Australian funding, covering parts of Tongatapu and nearby islands. Another survey in 2021, funded by the World Bank, expanded this coverage even further. The upcoming survey will combine these efforts to create a complete national Lidar dataset for Tonga.
This initiative is a critical step for improving Tonga’s resilience against climate challenges. Accurate data will help in flood modeling, enhance infrastructure safety, and offer better strategies for managing sea-level rise and extreme weather patterns.
Experts agree that robust data systems are key to climate adaptation. According to a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), nations investing in detailed geospatial data have more success in making informed decisions about climate change.
Overall, Tonga’s commitment to building Lidar coverage not only safeguards its communities but also sets a powerful example for other Pacific nations facing climate threats. By prioritizing this technology, Tonga is taking significant strides toward a resilient future.
For more insights about Lidar and its impact on climate resilience, you can check out the Green Climate Fund for detailed information on funded projects.
