Tonga Strengthens Climate Services from the Inside Out

Nuku’alofa, Tonga — The Tonga Meteorological Service (TMS) has taken a significant step forward in its quality improvement journey, with staff completing internal auditor training as part of an ongoing effort to bring its weather, climate, ocean and early warning services in line with international standards.

The training, delivered by Tonga-based consulting firm Quality Solutions, was conducted across two sessions in March 2026. Six staff completed the first session from 4 - 5 March, with a second group following from 9 - 10 March. Together, the sessions equip TMS personnel with the skills to review operational processes, identify areas for improvement, and ensure the consistent delivery of services that communities, government agencies and key sectors across the Kingdom depend on.

“The support from ClimSA is very timely because the TMS has had gaps in our Quality Management Systems (QMS) for a long time, and this support uplifts our staff capacity to raise our operating standards to global levels for weather, climate and ocean services,” said Mr. Laitia Fifita, Director for Tonga Meteorological Services.

The Internal Auditor training is grounded in ISO 19011 guidelines and supports TMS's broader Quality Management System (QMS) — aligned with ISO 9001:2015, which is being developed with support from the European Union-funded Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Programme, implemented in the Pacific by SPREP.

"Building internal auditing capacity means that the TMS is no longer just working towards international standards, but it has the tools and skills to monitor and sustain them from within," said Naheed Hussein, Project Manager ClimSA Pacific.

The training also advances TMS compliance with standards and recommendations from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and directly supports preparation for Part 174 certification for aviation meteorological services.

“Enhancing the auditing skills of our staff places on a progressive path to maintaining the quality and standards of the services we are mandated to provide to our communities and stakeholders. Through this process TMS will be able to achieve Part 174 Civil Aviation Certification, once we have met the requirements prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation,” added Mr. Fifita.

This milestone builds on the QMS foundation announced in February 2026, when SPREP and TMS launched a USD$679,500 agreement under the ClimSA Programme to strengthen TMS services across eleven national activities aligned with the TMS Strategic Development Framework 2023–2027.

TMS has acknowledged the continued support of SPREP through the European Union-funded ClimSA project and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality services that protect lives and support national development across Tonga.

ENDS

About ClimSA Pacific:

The Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Programme in the Pacific is a transformative initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by SPREP in partnership with the ACP Secretariat. ClimSA Pacific aims to strengthen climate information services, enhance early warning systems, and empower decision-making across key sectors through tailored, actionable climate

products. By supporting National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and regional coordination, ClimSA Pacific is building a more resilient and climate-informed Pacific community.