Niue - Country Profile

Remark:

Please note that this country profile has been prepared by the Secretariat on the basis of information provided in the NBSAP and national reports, but has not been reviewed by the Party concerned.

Status and Trends of Biodiversity

Overview

In terms of Niue’s terrestrial ecosystems, 175 vascular plant species were identified, including one endemic species and 26 species identified as potentially invasive. Seven types of vegetation are currently recognized, comprising Cropland and Fern land and Littoral Shrub land, Littoral Forest, Coastal Forest, Mature Forest and Secondary Forest... More »

Number and Extent of Protected Areas

One forest conservation reserve is established in Huvalu and one marine protected area established in Anomo. In addition, a few traditional village reserves have been established.

Percentage of Forest Cover

The forest cover accounts for 65-70% of the land area of the island, compared to 90% in the 1950s, representing a severe rate of deforestation. The area of primary and regenerating forest has been reduced by 30% between 1966 and 1994 with most clearance occurring in the inner parts of the island.

National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan

Major features of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

Niue’s NBSAP contains a vision, six goals and actions grouped under seven themes. The vision is to turn Niue into an environmentally friendly nation that supports the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity to support all the living community. Six goals include: retaining and enhancing existing biodiversity; integrating biodiversity into government development policies and plans; improving local community understanding about biodiversity and mobilizing their participation in biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and benefit-sharing; improving capacities for sustainable management of natural resources; developing financial mechanisms at various levels for conservation and sustainable management; and strengthening environmental education and awareness and improving information sharing... More »

Implementation of the Convention

Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target

No specific targets have been set, however, certain programs and strategies have been included in the NBSAP. In addition, some actions are being taken to help achieve some targets related to the 2010 target. A national hunting ban has been imposed on the flying fox and the pigeon for two years. Forest policy statement recommended a total allowable harvesting of 10 – 15 ha per annum... More »

Initiatives in Protected Areas

Some forest conservation areas, marine reserves and traditional village reserves have been established to protect forest, marine biodiversity and traditional knowledge.

Initiatives in Access and Benefit Sharing

Licenses and contract agreements are applied on a case-by-case basis with full stakeholder contributions. Once the Niue guidelines are in place, the framework will be developed. Workshops and awareness programs through radio are organized for various stakeholders. These workshops engage stakeholders in developing mechanisms for dialogue on access to and protection of traditional knowledge... More »

Initiatives for Article 8(j)

Niue involved various stakeholders in preparing its biosafety framework. The participation of local communities is promoted at the national level, through the NBSAP review process, national planning process and development initiatives, and at the regional level, through the South Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) and the Biodiversity Roundtable... More »

National Contacts

Full details of national contacts »

Convention on Biological Diversity

Mr. Sauni Tongatule	CBD Primary NFP, CHM NFP, SBSTTA NFP, ICNP ABS NFP (ONLY), Protected Areas NFP, Resource Mobilization FP
Ms. Christine Ioane	CBD Primary NFP, CHM NFP, SBSTTA NFP

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Mr. Sauni Tongatule	Cartagena Protocol Primary NFP, BCH NFP
Ms. Christine Ioane	Cartagena Protocol Secondary NFP