The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has given Tonga US$1.5 million fund for the protection and enrichment of the kingdom’s rainforests and invasive species.

The main island Tongatapu has only one rainforest in Toloa and it was the priority of the GEF funding to make sure it is preserved.

About TP$30,000 had been allocated to fund Toloa Rainforest Nursery project.

Two other rainforests that benefit from this funding are Late and Mo’unga Talau.

As part of the protection efforts Tonga’s Ministry of Land, Survey and Natural Resources, through Tonga Invasive Alien Species Project (TIAS) has in place an action plan 2013 – 2020 in which it set out strategies for the project.

The plan will guide Tonga’s efforts to protect its natural heritage and people’s livelihoods from the negative impacts of invasive species, government statement says.