Malo e lelei everyone. My name is Mafile'o Masi and I am excited to participate in the PacWastePlus and GEF ISLANDS Study Tour to learn more about these systems. Here in Tonga we are currently implementing the Plastic Levy Regulation 2013, which allow Waste Authority Ltd (WAL) to collect revenue at the border of empty PET bottles and plastic food containers. However, there is a need to review the regulation to include PET bottles with liquid and other single use plastics as they are becoming more common and a bit more challenging to deal with.

The things I am most looking forward to learn are:

1. Sharing ideas and lesson learnt with other Pacific Island countries that are currently implementing sustainable financing mechanisms for waste management such as Extended Producer Responsibility, Container Deposit Legislation and/or Advance Recovery Fee and Deposit successfully;
2. Support for legislation development, procurement of necessary facility/ equipment and market for export as mentioned by my colleague Ms Lola Tonga from WAL; and
3. Capacity building and community awareness

Looking forward to seeing you all in Australia (if I get my visa on time..lol)