30 June 2025, Rarotonga, Cook Islands - Representatives from the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Niue, Tonga and Tuvalu are celebrating significant achievements in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience through the successful implementation of the GEF-6 Regional Invasives Project (GEF6 RIP).
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and executed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), this five-year initiative has strengthened invasive species management, one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss and a key component of the global environmental crisis.
Removing invasive species is one of the most cost-effective tools for restoring the resilience of our natural ecosystems and our communities. The one-week meeting, from 23 to 27 June held at the Muri Beach Club Hotel in Rarotonga, brought together stakeholders and partners to celebrate the GEF 6 RIP project activities successes, reflect on the challenges and journey and discuss ways that initiatives can be sustained.
Participants reviewed strategies to replicate, expand, and sustain GEF 6 RIP results, including integration into the NZMFAT funded and SPREP led Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) Restoring Island Resilience project for sustainability.
The regional meeting assessed progress on work plans, budget, and identified issues and delays and discussed resource allocation and adjustments for the next 6 months that remains for the completion of the GEF6 RIP across the participating four countries. Discussions enabled the preparation of the GEF 6 RIP Terminal Evaluation and facilitate the GEF 6 RIP Steering Committee Meeting.
GEF 6 RIP Project Manager, Ms Isabell Rasch-Mulitalo commented that, “the GEF6 RIP was more than an environmental project, it’s now become a movement. By restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and fostering regional collaboration, its helping Pacific Island nations build resilience to climate change and protect their unique biodiversity for generations to come”.
“From youth-led restoration programmes to assisting countries develop and implement national strategies and frameworks, GEF6 RIP is cultivating a new generation of Pacific conservation leaders and with its success, our Pacific countries are now exploring opportunities to scale up these efforts and integrate invasive species management into broader climate resilience and biodiversity conservation strategies”.
As part of the GEF6 RIP, Tuvalu’s initiatives culminated in the launch of the country’s first National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP) for 2022–2027, emphasising collaboration, biosecurity and targeted eradication and control of invasive species to protect native biodiversity and livelihoods.
The project activities in coordination with the PRISMSS Predator Free Programme and technical partners Island Conservation, has led to the successful eradication of invasive rats from six islets, 4 in Nukufetau and 2 in Funafuti, which has significantly reduced the threat to native seabirds, coastal biodiversity, and island ecosystems.
While reflecting during the GEF 6 RIP regional meeting, Dr Soseala Tinilau, Director of the Tuvalu Department of Environment commented, “protecting our islands from invasive species is about safeguarding our future through community action, partnerships, and restoring the balance of our ecosystems.
“Communities are already witnessing the positive environmental changes, along with increased understanding of invasive species issues.”
“Tuvalu is committed to building on these gains by strengthening national and inter-island biosecurity protocols and continuing community engagement and education, especially with schools and our local leaders. These efforts will help ensure lasting benefits for both our environment and our communities.”
Tonga has emerged as a regional leader in ecosystem restoration. The GEF6 RIP in coordination with the PRISMSS Resilient Ecosystems, Resilient Communities (RERC) programme, enabled Tonga to restore key biodiversity hotspots including ʻEua National Park, Toloa Rainforest and the Mount Talau National Park. These efforts have led to the resurgence of native species and empowered youth and community groups to lead conservation efforts.
GEF6 RIP Project Officer based with MEIDECC, Ms Loisi Tongia commented that, “invasive species threaten Tonga's environment, economy and culture. It is a shared responsibility of both women and men to safeguard our nation's natural heritage.”
“This project has strengthened the capacity of communities in invasive species management through the involvement of communities in rat eradication operations and weed management in both remote islets and priority restoration sites.”
“Empowered communities are the heart of sustainable biosecurity as their involvement in training, workshops and project activities can help enhance their capability in invasive species management.”
The GEF6 RIP assistance to Tonga was also acknowledged by Mr Viliami Hakaumotu, the National Invasive Species Coordinator with the Tonga Department of Environment, adding,"small steps, big impact" empowers communities to protect their environment by raising awareness of invasive species and biosecurity.”
“Through the GEF6 RIP, communities are now better informed and actively engaged in managing invasive threats as our outreach activities have initiated local community initiatives and built a foundation for long-term control. Sustainability is being achieved through training, community ownership, and integration into local governance.”
Niue’s proactive approach under the GEF-6 RIP is setting a benchmark for small island nations. By combining local action with regional collaboration, Niue is proving that even the smallest countries can lead the way in protecting our planet’s biodiversity.
The project enabled Niue to develop national frameworks for invasive species management, train local experts, and roll out biosecurity measures to safeguard its shores. Community engagement was a cornerstone, ensuring that everyone understands the importance of protecting native species.
Niue Department of Environment Biodiversity and Conservation Officer, Ms. Shiloh-Faithe commented that, “as a young Niuean scientist, it's been incredibly rewarding to witness the growing sense of stewardship within our communities.”
“The GEF6 RIP has not only advanced our efforts in managing invasive species, but it has also reignited our role as custodians of our natural heritage, a responsibility deeply rooted in our identity and essential for the resilience of future generations.”
“Continued awareness efforts, a developing national biosecurity strategy, and the embedding of invasive species management into climate resilience and land-use planning frameworks will allow this momentum to carry forward well beyond the life of the project, this is what we are striving for most of all.”
Mr Huggard Tongatule, the National Invasive Species Coordinator with the Niue Department of Environment reaffirmed that, “the Niue Department of Environment values its partnership with SPREP and PRISMSS, which strengthens efforts to manage invasive species and protect biodiversity.”
“The GEF6 Regional Invasives Project has increased community awareness and involvement, leading to stronger conservation practices, better food security, and greater climate resilience. To ensure sustainability, we will focus on building local capacity, integrating management into planning, and maintaining support through partnerships and funding.”
In the RMI, the project has focused on institutional capacity building, training border and environmental officers, and integrating invasive species management into national climate adaptation strategies. GEF6 RIP catalyzed several achievements which included the development, finalisation, and implementation of its National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP), aligning national efforts with regional goals and the institutionalisation of the RMI National Invasive Species Coordinator.
Ms. Daffodil Wase, Chief of Quarantine with the RMI Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce shared that, “while COVID-19 initially delayed our implementation, it ultimately strengthened our local capacity and deepened our collaboration with both community members and international partners like Island Conservation and WUV.”
“The rat eradication conducted across Majuro's 6 islets and Nadrikdrik Island represents RMI's most significant conservation achievement to date as this initiative demonstrated exceptional community engagement through extensive consultations that ensured local participation and feedback throughout the process and today, we are proud to report that both Majuro's islets and Nadrikdrik Island have been officially declared rat-free.”
“Sustainable funding is certainly important, but government support is the most critical factor for long-term success and when government institutions champion these conservation initiatives, they create the policy framework and institutional commitment necessary to ensure sustainability. Government backing provides the foundation that enables continued community support and programme longevity.”
In a spirit of shared learning and collaboration, the Cook Islands Government representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, National Environment Services, and NGO Te Ipukarea Society participated in the workshop on Wednesday, 25th June. The workshop was a platform to highlight national and regional achievements, identify funding opportunities, and promote knowledge sharing.
The Cook Islands National Environment Services Manager, Ms. Elizabeth Munro, expressed gratitude to the GEF 6 RIP participating countries for the shared lessons learned, which have been instrumental in setting targets and activities for the forthcoming GEF 8 project focused on invasive species.
The GEF-6 RIP also led to the establishment of PRISMSS, which has since evolved into the region’s premier hub for invasive species management. PRISMSS now provides comprehensive technical support, training, resources, and sustainable financing models to ensure long-term success across the region.
Guidance from the GEF-6 RIP steering committee meeting and outcomes from the regional workshop will assist countries and partners in developing new funding proposals. These deliberations will also help sustain ongoing projects and identify areas where additional support is needed.
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The GEF 6 Regional Invasives Project (RIP) is funded by the Global Environment Facility, implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme, and executed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). The Project works primarily in the Marshall Islands, Niue, Tonga, and Tuvalu and has a regional component. Implementation of the GEF 6 RIP is supported by the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Services (PRISMSS).
For more information on the GEF 6 Regional Invasives Species Project (GEF 6 RIP), please contact the Project Manager Ms Isabell Rasch-Mulitalo, at isabellr@sprep.org
About PRISMSS: The Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) is a coordinating mechanism designed to facilitate the scaling up of operational management of invasive species in the Pacific. The SPREP led PRISMSS brings together experts to provide support within the Pacific region with a focus on protection of indigenous biodiversity and ecosystem function. As a service provider, PRISMSS provides a comprehensive suite of support services in a cohesive, effective, efficient, and accessible manner to Pacific Island countries and territories.
Restoring Island Resilience (RIR): The PRISMSS - Restoring Island Resilience (RIR) is a New Zealand-PRISMSS collaboration project that aims to improve Pacific Island Countries and territories livelihoods and resilience to climate change by reducing the impact of invasive species on natural and agricultural ecosystems through the six PRISMSS programmes.
PRISMSS Powered by: New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade, UK International Development, GEF, UNEP & SPREP
PRISMSS Partners: Birdlife International, NZ Department of Conservation, Island Conservation, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Pacific Community and SPREP
PRISMSS Programmes: Protect Our Islands (POI), Predator Free Pacific (PFP), War On Weeds (WOWs), Natural Enemies Natural Solutions (NENS), Resilient Ecosystems Resilient Communities (RERC) and Protect Our Marine Areas (POMA)
For additional information please contact Mr Dominic Sadler, PRISMSS Manager on dominics@sprep.org or Mr Nitish Narayan, PRISMSS Communications & Liaison Officer on nitishn@sprep.org