Submitted by
irvina
on Sun, 02/25/2018 - 01:32
General Information
Resolution
46506
IUCN Constituent
Oceania Regional Office
IUCN Constituent type
IUCN Secretariat
Period covered
Geographic scope
Oceania
Pacific Ocean
Country/Territory
Tonga
Actors involved in implementing this Resolution:
IUCN Members
Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications (MEIDECC) ( Tonga )
IUCN Secretariat
Yes
Other non-IUCN related organisations
NatureFiji/MareqetiViti, Teta Tours
II. Implementation
Activities carried out to implement this Resolution
Activity
Field activities
Description and results/achievements of activities:
A 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.
Status
On-going
Activity
Scientific/technical activities
Description and results/achievements of activities:
A 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.
Status
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/activities are planned for the implementation of this Resolution
Future action / activity
Scientific/technical activities
Description
Assess 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.
III. Additional Information
External link(s)
Report status
Published
Constituent type
IUCN Secretariat