The Government of Tonga, through the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications, with support from UNDP's Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), convened key stakeholders in Nuku'alofa for the Policy and Institutional Review (PIR) Validation Workshop. 

The workshop was officially opened by the Acting Director of the Department of Environment, Mr Siosinua Latu, who underscored the importance of strengthening biodiversity financing to advance Tonga's environmental priorities and sustainable development objectives. 

Participants were also welcomed by the Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, Mr Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov, who reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to supporting Tonga in identifying and mobilising innovative financing solutions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. 

Bringing together representatives from government, NGOs, financial institutions, civil society organisations, academia, development partners, the private sector and local communities, the workshop reviewed and validated findings on Tonga's biodiversity policy, institutional and financing landscape. 

Participants examined 33 biodiversity financing mechanisms across seven thematic areas and explored practical financing solutions to increase investment in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development. 

Key financing solutions identified included:

• Environmental levies and conservation trust funds
• Blue economy financing
• Sustainable tourism revenue mechanisms, including whale watching, snorkelling, canoeing and kayaking activities
• Conservation-linked cultural tourism contributions
• Private sector partnerships and co-financing arrangements for conservation
• Community-based conservation financing
• Financing for marine protected areas and ecosystem restoration
• Integrated biodiversity and climate financing solutions

The workshop marked an important milestone in Tonga's BIOFIN process and will inform the next stages of the initiative, including the Biodiversity Expenditure Review, Finance Needs Assessment and Biodiversity Finance Plan. These assessments will help identify opportunities to mobilise resources, strengthen biodiversity financing systems and support the conservation and sustainable management of Tonga's rich biodiversity.