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In 2002, implementation of the coastal component of the Strategic Action Programme for the International Waters of the Pacific Islands Region (IWP) commenced in Nine. Nine's component of the IWP involves the design and implementation of a pilot project that will address sustainable resource use and conservation issues related to coastal fisheries management. To facilitate the IWP in Niue, the Government of Niue, through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), and the IWP Project Coordination Unit based at the SPREP in Apia, commissioned a review of natural resource and environment-related legislation in Niue. The focus of this review highlights areas where there may be over lapping jurisdiction, or potential for conflict between the respective legislations. The IWP is principally focused on activities associated with the conservation and preservation of freshwater, waste management and the sustainable use of coastal resources.

In October 1995 the 8th Pacific Regional Environment Programme meeting endorsed a proposal to prepare a Strategic Action Programme for International Waters. At the request of the South Pacific Forum the development of the proposal was coordinated by the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (renamed the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, or SRPEP). Throughout 1997 the Strategic Action Programme was formulated with funding assistance provided by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The International Waters Project (IWP) aims to strengthen the management and conservation of marine, coastal and freshwater resources in the Pacific Islands region. It is financed through the International Waters Programme of the Global Environment Facility, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, and executed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), in conjunction with the governments of the 14 participating independent Pacific Island countries.

In Tonga, IWP targets pilot projects that address waste management with a view to improving freshwater and marine resources. To facilitate the IWP in Tonga, the Government of Tonga, through the Department of Environment and the IWP Project Coordination Unit, based at SPREP, have commissioned this inventory of environment related legislation and institutions in Tonga.