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Tonga is one of the many islands that are endowed with unique resources and derives much of its economic, environmental and social well-being directly or indirectly from its environment. Tonga harbours numerous special ecosystems: from the peak of Mt, Talau in Vava’u, to the serenity of Vai Lahi in Niuafo’ou; the vulnerability of the Ha’apai Group to ‘Eua’s National Forest and to the Fanga’uta Lagoon in Tongatapu. Beyond the aesthetic beauty of the ecosystems to tourists and visitors; they provide immense support to the communities whose livelihoods are centred. They provide food, shelter, fresh water, wood, fibre, medicine, fuel, tools and raw materials. They also provide spiritual, recreational values, educational references as well as contributing to the economies, livelihoods and culture of Tonga. Our ecosystems maintain and provide protection against diseases, climate, natural disasters, support nutrients cycling, and aid sand and soil formation.

The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signature on 5 June 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the Rio Earth Summit) and entered into force on 29 December 1993. The Convention is the only international instrument comprehensively addressing biological diversity. Th e Conventions three objectives are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources