A project is currently underway in Vava’u to restore Talihau Beach and protect it from erosion. The beach is about 100-metre long, located on the small Vava’u Island of ‘Utungake at the entrance to Neiafu’s harbour.

The beach restoration project is being implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP) and funded by the Australian Government. Its aim is to restore a healthy ecosystem to Talihau, making it more climate resilient and better able to bounce back from the impacts of severe weather patterns and natural disasters.

According to assessments by SPREP's Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Officer, Mr Paul Anderson, the beach is badly eroded largely due to human and animal activity.

"The good news is that there is a lot we can do to curb the harmful impact of humans and animals, and here in Talihau we've been able to implement a lot of them in a relatively short period of time. Some of the interventions we've put in place have included fencing to prevent livestock from damaging beachside vegetation, putting systems in place to prevent the mooring of boats on degraded areas of the beach and talking to the community about the damaging impact of sand mining," he stated.

Vegetation is also being replanted along the coast. Brush protection mats are being used in the re-vegetation process. The brushes root and grow on the soil that it is placed on the mats.

SPREP Officer at the scene, Mr Vainuupo Jungblut thanked the community for its support.

"It was really hard work but the great community effort and support made light work of it all. I take my hat off to the community of Talihau for their hard work, dedication and ownership of this initiative."

The project is being welcomed by the community in Talihau, they will help oversee the maintenance of the beach.

Talihau resident, Ms 'Ana Finau stated her enthusiasm "I am happy now. This is like a dream come true to have something like this to help us to protect our beach. We are so happy to have this work as we know it's for the benefit of our community and for our grandkids in the future. We will work together and help each other by replanting trees, replacing the fence if it breaks and help to conserve the areas from being abused by animals and visitors."