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WCC 2016 Res 089 - Activity Report

General Information
IUCN Constituent: 
Oceania Regional Office
IUCN Constituent type: 
IUCN Secretariat
Period covered: 
2017
Geographic scope: 
Oceania
Pacific Ocean
Country/Territory: 
Tonga
In implementing this Resolution your organization has worked/consulted with...
IUCN Members: 
Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications (MEIDECC) ( MEIDECC ) / Tonga
IUCN Secretariat: 
Yes
Other non-IUCN related organisations: 
NatureFiji/MareqetiViti, Teta Tours
Implementation
Indicate and briefly describe any actions that have been carried out to implement this Resolution: 
ActionDescriptionStatus
Field activitiesA 2.34kW solar system has been designed, delivered, and is being installed, alongside wiring and lighting, to illuminate the Anahulu cave system, which is principally used as a tourism site and has traditionally utilized carbon-heavy open flame torches for illumination. A security gate and signage detailing the flora and fauna of the cave are also being installed to limit unsupervised access to the site and inform visitors of the wildlife species they are likely to encounter and outline appropriate behavior to avoid unnecessary degradation or disturbance to the resident species.On-going
Scientific/technical activitiesA Rapid Biodiversity Assessment Report was generated by NatureFiji/MareqetiViti, our partner and consultant on assessment of the Anahulu Cave ecosystem in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. Extant flora and fauna species in the cave and surrounding ecosystem were identified and prevalence was evaluated to determine potential impacts of lighting and development of eco-tourism opportunities in the cave.Completed
Please report on the result /achievement of the actions taken: 
Engagement with the Dept. of Environment and Teta Tours has helped set a precedent for collaborative assessment of ecotourism sites. The switch to renewable energy for illuminating certain sections of the cave is now informed by an awareness of swiftlet nesting areas, and visitors to the cave in the future should be more cognizant of appropriate behavior to prevent disturbance of endemic wildlife.
Identify and briefly describe what future actions are planned for the implementation of this Resolution: 
Future ActionDescription
Scientific/technical activitiesAssess generation potential and emissions mitigated through use of solar PV-powered lighting for the cave site will be included in the final grant report, and it is expected Teta Tours will provide future revenue reports to determine any increase in visitation based around the ecotourism amenities now provided.
Additional Information