1. 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

2. 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