Tonga is taking significant strides towards the implementation of a vital operation to eliminate rats from the uninhabited Late Island. The successful completion of community and stakeholder consultations in Vava’u last month has paved the way for this crucial initiative.
The two-day consultations, held at the Governor’s Office and the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communication (MEIDECC) Conference room in Vava’u, gathered District and Town Officers, Government representatives, members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), villagers, and local fishermen. The aim was to discuss the rat removal plan, assess potential risks, and evaluate the project’s impact.
Mr Viliami Hakaumotu, the National Invasive Species Coordinator for Tonga, emphasized the importance of the consultations in ensuring the alignment of all stakeholders. He stated, “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.” Lord Fakatulolo, the Vava’u Governor, expressed strong support for the operation and even suggested expanding the rat eradication efforts to include additional islands, including A’a island from the Vava’u group.
Invasive species, particularly rats, have emerged as the primary cause of biodiversity loss in the Pacific region. To address this issue, the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) acts as the coordinating mechanism for scaling up invasive species management in the Pacific. The project brings together experts who provide support within the region, focusing on the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The primary goal is to minimize the ecological and socio-economic impact of invasive species through the management or eradication of prioritized species and the safeguarding of valued sites.
Ms Isabell Rasch, the GEF 6 RIP Project Manager, emphasized the importance of community engagement and support for the success of the operation. She stated, “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 rat removal project aims to conserve one of the most important biodiversity sites in Tonga. The plan discussed during the community consultation outlined the strategy, tasks, timeline, and logistics required to complete the eradication of rats from Late Island, as well as two islets within the Vava’u group. By eliminating rats from Late Island, the project seeks to allow the island’s ecosystems to recover and provide a secure home for its threatened and indigenous plant and animal populations.
Funding for this eradication project is being provided in part by the GEF 6 Regional Invasives Project, which aims to strengthen national and regional capacities to reduce the impact of Invasive Alien Species on globally significant biodiversity in the Pacific. The Department of Environment, MEIDECC, will spearhead the project’s implementation in Tonga, with technical and financial support from Island Conservation (IC) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). Representatives from the Vava’u Environmental Protection Association (VEPA) will also contribute to project planning and consultation.
The rat removal operation on Late Island marks a significant step forward in Tonga’s commitment to preserving its unique biodiversity. With the support and collaboration of stakeholders, Tonga is poised to protect its precious ecosystems and enhance the resilience of its communities in the face of environmental challenges.