Sustainable Finance Status Country: TONGA Sustainable Finance Status Opportunities: Include in gap analysis Trainings on how to conduct Sus. Finance Plan Skills at Regional bodies to assist Tonga in conducting Sus. Finance Plan Challenges: Government not committed to Protected Areas Mgt. Need a senior Govt’ official in responsible agency to start process Lack of clarity about who is mandated to do what Economic Situation Downsizing of Government Agencies National issues Population Growth Government priorities in other areas eg. Health, education etc Needs: Inventory of current conservation practitioners in-country Consultation/training with in-country practitioners (PoWPA, needs and processes gap analysis, sus. Financial plan, identify potential areas to be protected) Financial Technical assistance from relevant regional bodies to be resource people and facilitators Develop policy paper for designation of new parks according to existing Parks & Reserves Act Monitor and assess the status of existing reserves and develop management plans

Management Effectiveness Status Country: TONGA Management Effectiveness Status Opportunities: Legal framework under Parks & Reserves Act Regional & International organisations willing to give us money Challenges: Weak institutional setting eg. Limited staff, political support Land tenure issues Expectations of fast return of benefits from protected areas by everyone Lack of awareness Needs: Increase budget allocation for PA’s (trained staff, finance) Develop communication strategies for PA’s Technical assistance to provide mentoring to national staff To enhance mainstreaming of mgt. Of PA in school curriculum Need a Tongan in the CBD Secretariat