Tonga has ramped up efforts to restore the Toloa Rainforest Reserve, focusing on invasive species management after work was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative, led by the Tonga Department of Environment, has partnered with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS).
Over a week in November, SPREP teams collaborated with Tupou College students and forest rangers. More than 2,000 invasive plants, including Cordia alliodora and Dioscorea bulbifera, were managed, and a phased restoration plan was implemented.
“By safeguarding the Toloa Rainforest, we ensure that endemic species and those of cultural importance continue to thrive,” said Tonga’s National Invasive Species Coordinator, Viliami Hakaumotu.

The restoration involves dividing the forest into manageable units for phased tasks, including weed management and rat control.
Project Manager Isabell Rasch noted, “We spent three days redefining management units and provided hands-on training to rangers, students, and community members.”
Rev. Dr. Alifeleti Tikisoni Atiola, Principal of Tupou College, emphasized the forest’s importance, stating, “We must do our best to manage the threats impacting this forest.”
SPREP plans to return next year to conduct a Restoration Exchange, sharing lessons from Toloa, Mount Talau, and Eua sites.