Tuvalu - Country Profile

Status and Trends of Biodiversity

Overview

Tuvalu is a small atoll nation located in the Central Pacific and has a total land area of only 26 sq km. The Islands are generally low with an average height of one meter above sea level while the highest elevation is no greater than 4 metres. Tuvalu’s Exclusive Economic Zone covers an ocean area of some 900,000 sq km... More »

Number and Extent of Protected Areas

Tuvalu has established six conservation areas on six of its nine islands with only one being regulated under a formal legislation while the rest through traditional management systems. Preparations are underway to expand its protected area networks. This will be identified under the National Biodiversity Strategy.

Percentage of Forest Cover

The soil of Tuvalu is generally of poor quality, and only supports a limited variety of flora. Indigenous plants are rare because of habitat modifications such as the extensive planting of coconuts and other food plants by early settlers. There are probably 200 plant species in Tuvalu, 50 of which are possibly indigenous (Lane, 1993)... More »

National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan

Major features of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

Tuvalu has not been fortunate enough to develop its NBSAP although, as mentioned earlier, there have been similar or related documents produced such as the (NEMs), which have been the basis for environment management in the country over the past few years.

The intended strategy will involve the establishment of the country’s objectives on the following: biodiversity conservation; sustainable use of biological resources; equitable sharing of benefits; conservation of agro-biodiversity; biosafety... More »

Implementation of the Convention

Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target

Tuvalu is currently working to implement the Whale and Dolphin Action Plan and also the Regional Action Plan on Turtles in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

Initiatives for Article 8(j)

Tuvalu is currently exploring options for the protection of traditional knowledge.

National Contacts

Full details of national contacts »

Convention on Biological Diversity

Mr. Tapugao Falefou	CBD Primary NFP
Mr. Enate Evi	CHM NFP, ICNP ABS NFP
Mrs. Tilia Asau	Protected Areas NFP
Mr. Mataio Tekinene	Protected Areas NFP

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety