Invasive species such as rats are the leading driver of biodiversity loss in the Pacific. In Tonga, a proposed rat removal project on Late Island aims to conserve one of the most important sites for biodiversity in the kingdom.

Removal of rats from Late will allow the island’s ecosystems to recover and ensure the island can provide a secure home for its populations of threatened and indigenous plants and animals. 

However, before a rat removal operation can be implemented, community and stakeholder consultations were held in Vava’u last month.

The consultations brought together district and town officers, government representatives, NGO members, residents and fishermen to discuss the plan and risks involved and the impact of the project, stated SPEP on 7 July.

National Invasive Species Coordinator, Viliami Hakaumotu said the consultation was extremely important to ensure all the stakeholders were on board to implement the initiative.

“When it comes to projects of this nature, I think it’s important that everyone understands the goals and objectives and where they fit into the picture. I think the consultations provided an opportunity for everyone to express their views and opinions and the end result is now a clear understanding amongst everyone with no hesitation about the operation.”

He said there were suggestions to eradicate rats from more islets.

“I know the Vava’u Governor Lord Fakatulolo expressed strong support for the operation and requested for additional islands to be actioned, including A’a island from the Vava’u group.”

SPREP stated that the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) will coordinate the scaling up of invasive species management in the Pacific.

The project brings together experts to provide support within the Pacific region focusing on protecting biodiversity and ecosystem functions, with a goal is to reduce invasive species’ ecological and socio-economic impact on ecosystems through the management or eradication of prioritised species and the protection of valued sites.

Community engagement

GEF 6 RIP Project Manager, Isabell Rasch, said community engagement and support was important to ensure the operation’s success.

“Invasive species have a significant impact on ecosystem resilience, leading to a loss of ecosystem services and reducing the ability of Pacific communities to adapt to climate change."

The plan discussed during the community consultation defined the strategy, tasks, timeline and logistics necessary to complete the eradication Late island as well as on two islets within the Vava’u group.

Meanwhile, this eradication is funded in part by the GEF 6 Regional Invasives Project, Strengthening national and regional capacities to reduce the impact of Invasive Alien Species on globally significant biodiversity in the Pacific.

The Department of Environment, MEIDECC is the in-country lead for the project’s implementation, with Island Conservation (IC) and SPREP providing technical and financial support. Representatives from Vava'u Environmental Protection Association (VEPA) will assist with project planning and consultation. 

The first of the two-day consultations was held at the Governor’s Office with the second day moved to the MEIDECC, on the outer island.