NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 PO Box 240, Apia, Samoa +685 21929 sprep@sprep.org www.sprep.org Our vision: A resilient Pacific environment sustaining our livelihoods and natural heritage in harmony with our cultures. SPREP Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data Niue National Environmental Management Strategy 2018–2022. Apia, Samoa : SPREP, 2018. 60 p. 29cm. ISSN: 1562–675X 1. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). I. Title 363.7099 SPREP authorises the reproduction of this material, whole or in part, provided appropriate acknowledgement is given. Cover photo: tba Other photos: Unless otherwise acknowledged, all photographs were taken by SPREP staff. An initiative of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States funded by the European Union. This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union and the United Nations Environment Programme under the ACPMEA Phase II Project. The views expressed herein do not reflect the official opinion of the European Union, the United Nations Environment Programme or the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme. NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 CONTENTS Message froM the preMier 2 foreword froM the Minister of environMent 3 acronyMs 4 executive suMMary 5 introduction 7 theMe 1 conservation of niue’s Biodiversity and natural heritage 15 theMe 2 resource Management 23 theMe 3 waste Management and pollution control 29 theMe 4 atmosphere and climate change 33 theMe 5 sustainable development 39 theMe 6 environmental governance, Mainstreaming and capacity development 43 theMe 7 implementation and Monitoring framework 47 concluding reMarks 49 acknowledgeMents 50 references 51 appendices 53 2 NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 The National Strategic Plan (Ko E Tohi Fakatokatoka Gahua Ha Niue) 2016–2026 for Niue is the guiding document that underpins the partnership between the government and stakeholders in achieving sustainable development. The National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS) 2018–2022 is an important instrument of the National Strategic Plan. The NEMS reflects the Government and the community’s commitment to protect, conserve and sustainably use the country’s environment and resources. The most recent state of environment report for Niue was completed some 25 years ago, which resulted in the development of the national environment management strategy. Many changes to Niue’s environment have been observed since then, with severe cyclones and droughts adversely impacting the ecology of the land, coastal and marine resources, as well as damaging infrastructure and people’s homes. The Government implemented a number of measures and policies to assist with the recovery of resources, as well as adapting to climatic events that are predicted to become the norm due to climate change. A key part of the Government’s strategy is forging a strong partnership with communities, the private sector and civil society. Traditional development partners are a key part of Niue’s prosperity, and the role of the New Zealand Government is particularly noted. This National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS) represents the aspirations of our communities and our partners to move Niue forward to address new challenges and use opportunities to achieve our national goals, as well as our regional and global commitments. We must not forget that as global citizens, we have a commitment to do all that we can to protect our environment. By successfully protecting the environment we are securing our future, the future of our children, and the future of our planet. Niue punches above its size in terms of global commitments and achievements. In many ways, Niue leads by example by reducing its carbon footprint and upholding the global commitment towards reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, and managing ozone depleting substances. Through this NEMS we will continue to lead and set ambitious but achievable targets so we can continue to thrive on this island paradise. Niue is on its way with our global commitment to protect 40% of our ocean to allow life to find a haven in Niue, away from an increasingly threatened and chaotic world. To achieve our people’s aspirations, we need a strong and united nation and enduring partnerships with all our external partners. I urge all Niueans to do their part to help safeguard Niue’s cultural and natural heritage. Honorable Toke Talagi Premier of Niue Alofi, Niue MESSAGE fROM ThE PREMIER 3 NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 Twenty-five years ago, the Government and the people of Niue, adopted the first National Environment Management Strategy. While we appreciate the role the environment plays in our daily lives, we did not know the state of the environment and resources. We took and used what we could, with the mentality that the environment would provide. Fast forward to today’s situation, the environment is struggling to provide. The global impact of climate change is no longer a challenge out there, but one that resides on the island and in our communities. The changes in our weather patterns attributed to gases that industrialised countries have been emitting, is causing unprecedented droughts, and high intensity cyclones, that are impacting our lives. This NEMS is a partnership agreement of the Government and all stakeholders in a joint effort to conserve and manage Niue’s resources. It is a framework to coordinate, plan, communicate, collaborate and respond to the threats to our environment, our natural resources and our cultural heritage. To be successful in the implementation of this NEMS we need assistance and actions, and a change of mind-set so that we value every bit of the land, and every part of the sea, that makes this country great. Hon. Dalton Tagelagi Minister for Natural Resources fOREWORD fROM ThE MINISTER Of ENVIRONMENT 4 NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 Acronyms BCN Broadcsating Netwrok of Niue CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CMS Convention on Migratory Species DAFF Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries DOE Department of Education DOEnv Department of Environment DOH Department of Health EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations GHG Green House Gas GoN Government of Niue HFCA Huvalu Forest and Conservation Area INDC Intended Nationally Determined Contributions IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature LPG Liquid Petroleum Gas MEA Multilateral Environmental Agreements MPA Marine Protected Area NEMS National Environmental Management Strategy NGO Non-Governmental Organisation NISAP National Invasive Species Action Plan NiSERM Niue Strategic Energy Road Map NIWAR National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research NIWMS National Integrated Waste Management Strategy NNSP Niue National Strategic Plan NPC Niue Power Corporation NZD New Zealand Dollar ODS Ozone Depleting Substances POPs Persistent Organic Pollutants SOE State of Environment SOPAC South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission SPC Secretariat for the Pacific Community SPREP Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 5 NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 ExECUTIVE SUMMARY The National Environmental Management Strategy 2018–2022 (NEMS) for Niue is a living document, a blueprint on strategic environmental planning and actions, over the next five years. The Niue NEMS is for all residents of Niue, for the regional and international development partners and organisations, and for Niuens residing in other parts of the world. The NEMS is a medium to long-term perspective of a set of objectives, with the aspiration of securing the environment, natural and cultural resources for the current residents and for the future generations of Niue. The strategy takes into consideration existing global and regional targets, and environmental frameworks, which Niue is committed to implement. The strategy is the outcome of a consultative process by the national stakeholders during the development of Niue’s State of the Environment report (SOE). The SOE report identified seven thematic areas, which are reflected in the 2018–2022 NEMS. The environmental challenge and agenda is organised under six thematic areas in this NEMS: i. Conservation of Niue’s biological diversity and natural heritage ii. Resource management iii. Waste management and pollution control iv. Atmosphere and climate change v. Sustainable development vi. Environmental governance, mainstreaming and capacity development vii. Implementation and monitoring framework conservation of niue’s Biological diversity and natural heritage From species to land and seascapes, Niue’s biodiversity is highly vulnerable to a multitude of threats. The impacts of climate change are the most concerning for the native biodiversity, as a severe cyclone can cut through rainforests in a few hours, leaving many of the species destitute and vulnerable. The unfettered growth of invasive species presents another problem for native biodiversity and ecological systems. It is important that the conservation agenda focuses on strengthening natural ecosystems through the maintenance of protected areas in a systematic and practical way. Invasive species must be addressed, and the National Invasive Species Strategic Action Plan (NISSAP) provides the implementation framework. The environment underpins development on the island. It is critical that sectors, communities, and partners implement this agreed environmental agenda, to guide development initiatives and sustainable living. Niue is in a position to harness its resources for the benefit of its current population, without compromising the future of its people to meet their own needs. By using the green and blue economies, Niue can derive modest benefits through policies and plans that foster partnerships with national, regional and global stakeholders. All economic developments must factor the environment and social obligations in a much higher platform than they currently are. The Government must take leadership, to ensure that this is the new way of generating economic outcomes for the benefit of Niue. Good governance can determine the outcomes of many of the Government’s policies and plans. The role of civil society and the private sector is critical in achieving beneficial outcomes to the nation. Good governance encourages investor confidence, and it helps in addressing some of the key challenges relating to poverty alleviation, health, education and unemployment. Environmental governance is closely linked to other aspects of this NEMS, primarily in the sustainable development agenda, where government leadership is paramount. It is important that the environment is no longer an opt-out in economic development, but a priority issue to be addressed first. A national capacity development plan will ensure that policies and programmes are being implemented to the highest standard. This may necessitate a review of the state of technical capacity and the level of training to be undertaken. The Implementation and Monitoring Framework is a key component of this NEMS, recognising that progress and achievements reflect the collective outputs stated in the National Strategic Plan 2016–2026, and the various sector plans. It is important to note that the NEMS should be viewed as a living document to be reviewed and amended as new information, knowledge, strategic focus and directions come to the fore. The implementation relies on a collective commitment and partnership from all government agencies, the private sector, the civil society, the village councils and the public. The role of the Department of Environment is critical in coordinating and providing the necessary support to the implementing partners, to ensure that the NEMS actions are pursued, documented and shared. The monitoring of the NEMS is a key part of the Department of Environment’s responsibility, to guide the management actions and to ensure that progress is made towards achieving the objectives and goals of this document. The review of NEMS should align with the SOE and be conducted regularly, such as every five years. The Strategic Themes of NEMS are purposely developed and prioritised to align with the many international MEAs and other regional environmental strategies, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the S.A.M.O.A. Pathway, the CBD Aichi Targets, and the Regional Framework for the Conservation of Protected Areas. 7 NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 1. INTRODUCTION About niue Niue lies in the heart of the Polynesian triangle with the Samoan archipelago to the north, the Cook Islands to the east and the Kingdom of Tonga to the west, at coordinates of 19o South and 169o West. It is a single uplifted island with a total land area of 259 sq. km surrounded by a 390,000 sq. km exclusive economic zone (EEZ). In addition to the main island, Niue’s territory includes the distant reefs of Beveridge, Antiope and Harran (see Fig. 1). Niue is an independent, self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. The average height above sea level is 23 metres and the highest point is just under 70 metres. Niue is located at the edge of the tropical cyclone belt in the southeast trade winds zone, where the climate is pleasant with two distinct seasons: the hot wet season from November to March, and the cool dry season from April to October (Anthoni, 2004-2005). Niue experiences an average of one severe cyclone per decade, the most recent being category 5 cyclone Heta in January 2004, which caused NZD37.7 million in damage to infrastructure and the environment (PACCSAPP 2011). Rainfall averages 2,200 mm per year and the mean temperature is 25°C (SPREP 2009; PACCSAPP 2011). Droughts are not uncommon especially during ENSO events. Niue is self-governing, in free association with New Zealand. The New Zealand Government is responsible for the island’s defence and external affairs. Legislation is the responsibility of the Niue Assembly, which is based on a Westminster-style system. It has twenty members (14 village representatives and six elected on a common roll) but New Zealand, if called upon to do so by the Assembly, will also legislate for the island. There is a New Zealand representative based on the island. There has been a steady decline in the population of Niue over the years with the most recent population of 1,716 (Statistics Department, Government of Niue 2017) (Fig. 2). This population decline is due to out-migration overseas. The 2013 Government of New Zealand Population and Housing Census recorded 23,892 Niueans living in New Zealand. While this is a concern for the island, measures to counteract the population loss have had limited success (NBSAP 2015:10). fIGURE 1 . Map of niue. source: government of niue. 8 NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 fIGURE 2 . population trend of niue from 1971 to 2017. source: statistics department. Niue’s economy remains highly fragile due to its small population, limited labour force, expensive and limited transport options, limited arable land and vulnerability to natural disasters (cyclones and droughts). The economy has traditionally been based on exploitation of natural resources including fisheries and agriculture. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for the export market. Niue’s soil is composed of eroded coral, and is generally fertile but limited in coverage. The soil fertility, rocky and broken terrain, make cultivation of crops challenging. Traditional slash and burn techniques have drained the soil of much of its nutrients. Less than 40% of the land is suitable for cultivation and the fragmented nature of land ownership, together with the considerable number of absentee land holders, contributes to low agricultural production. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. The government expenditures regularly exceed the revenues, and the shortfall is made up by critically needed grants from the New Zealand government, which are used to pay wages to public employees. The recent focus on tourism has seen a rise of 56% in earnings from 2010 to 2013 (Smith 2015). Niue’s GDP remains one of the highest per capita in the Pacific, estimated at NZD17,820 in 2014, and is largely due to financial assistance from New Zealand. Economic aid allocation from New Zealand in FY13/14 was NZD12.1 million, increasing to NZD22.5 million in the 2015/2016 before a reduction to NZD13.8 million in the 2016/2017 period. The small size of the island, in addition to the limited infrastructure and difficult operational conditions, may be a contributing factor for Niue’s level of participation in the tuna fishery industry. Entering into partnerships with foreign vessels allows for some participation in the tuna fishery. Reef gleaning and fishing are important activities but these are limited due to the absence of a wide protective lagoon. Most fishing is carried out in the open sea using small canoes (Fig. 3), which are carried down steep cliffs. The capital Alofi, has a harbour equipped with a crane, for lifting of boats in and out of the water. Most of Alofi was seriously damaged during cyclone Heta. Niue has adopted the New Zealand system of parliamentary democracy comprised of national and local administrations. There are several government agencies under the three ministries: the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Social Services. At the level of local government, there are 14 Village Councils: Makefu, Tuapa, Namukulu, Toi, Hikutavake, Mutalau, Lakepa, Liku, Hakupu, Vaiea, Avatele, Tamakautoga and Alofi South and Alofi North (Government of Niue, http://www.gov.nu/wb/). fIGURE 3 . fishing in an outrigger canoe. photo: huggard tongatule. 9 NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 Niue’s culture and traditions remain an important part of its identity (Fig. 4). These traditions are closely associated with the environment, from the water lens secured within the island, the trees and animals in the forests, the crops and farming practices, the preparation of food for subsistence and traditional ceremonies, to navigating and harvesting marine life in the ocean. These are the stories and the lore of Niue’s past, present and future. Such assets are worthy of preservation and protection for future generations, and for the identity of all proud Niueans. The national environmental management strategy is the blueprint to inspire and guide this aspiration. WhAt is the nAtionAl environmentAl mAnAgement strAtegy? The NEMS is a set of strategies and programmes for Niue to guide development that meets the needs of today’s population without jeopardising the ability of future generations to meet their own (NEMS, 1993). This strategy is presented in light of the rapidly declining population and the realisation that sustainable development for Niue requires a strong and stable partnership with New Zealand. The first NEMS was developed in 1993. A review of that NEMS was conducted in March 2017 (Annex 1) describing changes and achievements. The review also provided the groundwork towards the development of the 2018–2022 NEMS. Since 1993 many changes have occurred, including the devastation of infrastructure and the environment caused by cyclones, and a significant reduction in population caused by out-migration, mainly to New Zealand. There has been a significant increase in legislation of environmental relevance (Powell 2007, and Table 1 below). This NEMS was developed alongside the 2018 State of the Environment Report for Niue, as well as the 2015 National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan for Niue. rAtionAle for the nems The NEMS is a national instrument that will assist with the coordination and collaboration amongst all the stakeholders in Niue and abroad on key policies, programmes and actions to promote sustainable development and conservation of Niue’s natural resources. It provides guidance for the proper safeguarding of natural resources. The NEMS is about capturing the aspirations of the people and developing steps towards achieving them. The NEMS is a framework that links related policies and provides a roadmap for environmental actions and stewardship. It promotes the establishment of good governance and policies and highlights shortcomings that must be addressed for the protection of the environment, achieving economic aspirations and enhancing community wellbeing. fIGURE 4 . traditional crafts remain important to all niueans. photo: huggard tongatule. 10 NIU E NATIO NAL ENVI RONMENTAL M ANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018– 2022 FORMULATION OF THE NEMS The review and revitalisation of Niue’s NEMS was initiated following the SPREP meeting held in Niue in 2016 (Fig. 5). From then, the NEMS was developed through consultations with the national government stakeholders, communities and civil society (Fig. 6). It was based on a review of the 1993 NEMS and aligning it with thematic areas in the State of Environment Report (SOE 2018). Two national workshops were organised by SPREP in partnership with the Department of Environment and the Government of Niue. In developing a forward focused and relevant framework, other sectors’ programmes, plans and projects were included in the formulation of the NEMS. As with all good planning processes, it is important to recognise that this NEMS provides the foundation for the government and its partners to work towards achieving sustainable living. It is a document that should be changed and adapted according to circumstances and priorities of the nation. It is important also to acknowledge the need to embrace the evolving and fast-paced flow of information and knowledge, which potentially could help improve and influence management outcomes. Under the 2018 SOE, seven thematic areas were assessed, and these are incorporated in the 2018–2022 NEMS. Many of the actions and recommendations in the NEMS are supplementary to those presented in the country’s NBSAP 2015 and other nationally endorsed policies and programmes. Some of the text has been freely derived from sources listed in the references and from other reputable sources. FIGURE 5. SPREP meeting in Niue in 2016. Photo: Jope Davetanivalu, SPREP. FIGURE 6. Stakeholder consultation. Photo: Paul Anderson, SPREP. 11 NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 the nems And multilAterAl environmentAl Agreements This NEMS aligns and assists with achieving one of the pillars under Niue’s National Strategic Plan 2018–2026, as illustrated below: niue nAtionAl strAtegic PlAn nAtionAl develoPment PillArs ———————————————————— sector strAtegies (nems) sub-nAtionAl strAtegies Niue is party to a number of international and regional environmental agreements. The NEMS provides an overarching implementation framework for many of these multilateral environmental agreements. Niue is not party to a few other MEAs, such as the Noumea Convention, the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing. Important elements of these MEAs are also included in this NEMS. niue – nems Mainstreaming; Biodiversity conservation; resource Management; waste Management and pollution control; atmosphere and climate change; sustainable development; governance and capacity development; implementation and Monitoring framework multilAterAl environmentAl Agreements convention on Biological diversity (cartagena protocol on Bio-safety); world heritage convention; stockholm convention; vienna convention (Montreal protocol); united nations convention on the law of the sea (part xii: protection and preservation of the Marine environment); united nations framework convention on climate change (kyoto protocol) (paris agreement); united nations convention on combatting desertification; waigani convention. 12 NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 2. VISION, MISSION, GOAL AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES Every Niuean has the duty and responsibility to be a guardian for Niue’s environment. This duty extends to culture and heritage, as the environment is an important consideration and part of tāoga (culture) Niue. The state of Niue’s environment has fared reasonably well, compared to many other islands in the Pacific. Population decline plays a large part in the state of the environment, where the demand for resources remains stable or has declined. Various government measures, including policies and programmes, have contributed to the protection of Niue’s resources. For example, the moratorium on harvesting of the lupe (pigeon) and the peka (fruit bat) for three years after cyclone Heta, assisted in the recovery of their populations. The banning of the exportation of uga (coconut crab) means the population of this iconic crab remains in fair condition. These successes highlight the important work undertaken by the government, but equally significant is the partnership and support by the people. Challenges remain in areas of energy, climate adaption, pollution and waste management, as well as land use planning and the increasing demand for resources. How to accommodate developments to improve Niue’s economic opportunities, while maintaining the integrity of Niue’s biological diversity, is part and parcel of this 2018–2022 NEMS. Natural resource development and management holds the key to economic sustainability for Niue. Exploitation of renewable resources at a pace higher than the natural rate of replenishment could prove detrimental to the sustainable development plans of the country. vision our environment and heritage inspiring a prosperous nation. mission Working together to sustainably develop and manage niue’s natural resources, to protect and preserve our cultural heritage. goAl A national environmental strategy and action plan for the protection, conservation and sustainable use of niue’s natural resources and cultural heritage, ensuring ecological, economic and social processes are maintained for the people and the future generation. 13 NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 guiding PrinciPles The NEMS 2018–2022 is guided by global principles that are well aligned with those outlined in the Niue’s Ke Monuina 2016–2026 document, and with the values of Niue’s culture and society. The principles include leadership and good governance, collective responsibility for the environment, indigenous knowledge, practices and innovations and integration of the environment and development. leadership and good governance The Government of Niue will lead efforts to protect, manage and promote the sustainable use of the country’s environment and its natural resources. This involves upholding good governing practices of transparency, accountability, shared responsibility and fairness in the consideration of environmental requirements in development practices. It respects everyone’s right to a clean and healthy environment. It also recognises key principles for respecting the needs and capacities of the natural environment such as the precautionary, polluter pays and carrying capacity principles. • The Precautionary Principle is defined in the UN Agenda 21 Rio Declaration as “Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation”. • The Polluter Pays Principle means that populations are justly responsible for the waste and pollution they generate either directly or through payments for the available mitigation and management services. The principle extends to society’s responsibility to pay for the programmes that help to replenish, restore and rehabilitate natural resources and the environment that were exploited or degraded through extensive development activities. • The Carrying Capacity Principle may be defined as the ability of the environment to sustain the needs of human development and its own natural requirements. Development should respect the limits of the carrying capacities of its hosting environment if it is to achieve a more sustainable pathway. collective responsibility for the environment Biodiversity and the environment provide important goods and services for communities. It is the responsibility of individuals, organisations and societies to protect, manage and sustainable use biodiversity. The extraction or exploitation of resources have economic and environmental costs. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these costs, are not detrimental to the state of biodiversity and the goods and services it provides. indigenous knowledge, practices and innovations The people of Niue have acquired indigenous and traditional knowledge and practices, which have guided their survival and development for thousands of years. This knowledge and the practices can contribute to the sustainable use and management of resources in Niue. They are also inspirations for Niue’s culture, traditions and ceremonies. The participation of key stakeholders, including village council, civil society and the public will help strengthen the use of indigenous knowledge and practices. integration of the environment and development This principle recognises that the environment underpins development. It recognises the challenges in balancing the needs of the environment and the development needs of Niuean society. It is vital that economic and/or physical development must ensure environmental protection, to facilitate long-term sustainability. This principle emphasises the importance of credible scientific information to support the integration of the environment into development planning and implementation. It also recognises appropriate value systems of the people in Niue that promote the integrity of the environment. The Niue NEMS and SOE reports contribute to a larger global effort towards the conservation of biodiversity and improving the environment for the benefit of all. It is important that this NEMS, while local in its approach, is closely linked with regional and international environmental conventions and agreements (see Annex 2). 15 NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 ThEME 1 CONSERVATION Of NIUE’S BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL hERITAGE objective 1.1 niue’s biodiversity is protected and conserved through the establishment and the maintenance of managed and protected areas. objective 1.2 niue’s endangered, threatened and endemic species and ecosystems are protected through the implementation of effective management plans and programmes. objective 1.3 niue’s biodiversity and ecosystems are effectively managed from the harmful impacts of invasive species. objective 1.4 traditional knowledge and new technologies are promoted and used for the management of niue’s biodiversity and ecosystems. objective 1.5 biodiversity protection is enhanced through the preservation, and the conservation of cultural, historical, religious and tourism sites. Niue has a few endemic species that are of global importance. The flat-tail sea snake ( Laticauda schistorhynchus ) is the most iconic of Niue endemic species. A number of birds are also unique to Niue and their populations remain precarious, due to loss of habitats from cyclones and hunting. Niue is increasingly attracting visitors for whale watching, and the vantage points throughout the island make it accessible for all. The marine species are vulnerable due to climate change and over- harvesting. The threat of invasive species to native animals, plants, as well as the landscape, increases every year, if no action is taken to halt or eliminate their spread. Niue is blessed with many interesting landscape formations from unique chasms, intricate and ornately coloured caves and karsts that are important parts of the history and lore of the people. These sites deserve to be preserved as part of the nation’s natural and cultural heritage. Their preservation will also help preserve many of the vulnerable native species. sdg sustainable development goals cbd convention on biological diversity – Aichi biodiversity targets nnsP 2016–2026 niue national strategic Plan environment and climate change pillar. component: biodiversity 16 NIUE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2018–2022 OBJECTIVE 1.1 niue’s biodiversity is Protected And conserved through the estAblishment And the mAintenAnce of mAnAged And Protected AreAs Niue has two key conservation areas (Hakupu Heritage and Cultural Park, and the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area). The Huvalu Forest Conservation Area (HFCA) was established in 1992, covering 5,400 ha (Fig. 7). It is Niue’s premier conservation area, having the largest intact primary forest on the island. The HFCA is divided into three areas according to local traditional practices. The core is about 100 ha and is a tapu area, a most sacred site where hunting, logging or even research is prohibited. An area of about 2,500 ha of primary forest provides some protection to the core but is used for hunting and other activities. Outside of this is a buffer zone of 2,800 ha of agricultural land. The HFCA extends seawards towards the fringing reef (about 20 m from the high tide mark). The Hakupu Heritage and Cultural Park was designated as a national park in 1998. It extends south from the Tuhia access track in the village of Hakupu, and very close to the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area. This park was a private initiative, with the support of family members. A committee comprising mainly of family members, who share ownership of the land, manages the park. The primary objective is to document and protect sites of historical and ecological significance. This includes some of the caves that were used for traditional burials, or for women to weave mats and other crafts. Other sites within the park were used as a fortress and where community lived. The park is also an important flying fox sanctuary ( tauga peka ). Some of the natural components of the park include three fresh water caves at the Tuhia Sea Track and blowholes at Mata along the coastal area. Activity indicAtors leAd And PArtners timeline identify high biodiversity areas through a national audit • database developed listing high biodiversity area from the national audit department of environment 2020 establish conservation areas by working with village councils and communities • at least three village conservation areas established department of environment; village council; t ā oga niue; tourism niue 2022 provide the necessary legal framework to allow villages to develop and establish conservation areas • legislation passed that allows villages to establish and manage their conservation areas department of Justice; department of environment; village councils 2022 undertake baseline assessments of conservation areas and implement basic monitoring programmes • Biodiversity data captured in a national database with a list of species and features in at least three conservation areas department of environment; t ā oga niue; landcare nZ; usp; sprep 2022 develop management plans for community conservation areas • conservation management guidelines developed • Management plans developed for at least three conservation areas • Management plan for the huvalu forest conservation area developed to ensure that the most intact primary forest is protected department of environment; village councils; t ā oga niue; tourism niue; sprep. 2022 identify and promote linked conservation areas (protected area network and ridge to reef concept) • at least one ridge to reef conservation area established department of environment; village councils; department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries 2022 national audit of niue’s biodiversity focuses on assessing the level of biodiversity (flora and fauna found on island) – quantifying the diversity and assessing the habitats and their carrying capacity to host species. the audit will also attempt to put a dollar value on biodiversity, as well as a value on how each diversity contributes to the environment, society and economy. fIGURE 7 . the huvalu forest conservation area showing the tapu areas. source: government of niue.