08/08/2026
With the conclusion of the Tuvalu Island Leaders Assembly (TILA), the Department of Environment reflects with appreciation on the meaningful engagements and activities delivered throughout the Assembly.
TILA provided an important platform for the Department to engage with Tolise Primary School, Island Leaders, community representatives, and Kaupule members, creating an opportunity to share key environmental priorities, initiatives, and responsibilities with communities across Tuvalu.
An important highlight was the Department’s programme on Friday morning, which was honoured by the presence of the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Hon. Dr. Maina Vakafua Talia, who officially opened the event and delivered his remarks.
The programme continued with a presentation by the Acting Director of the Department of Environment on Tuvalu’s Locally Managed Marine Areas and the “Tuvalu National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).” The presentation focused on the different Islands LMMA’s and an overview of the development of the NBSAP, its national priorities, and the targets established to guide Tuvalu’s efforts in conserving and sustainably managing its biodiversity, in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
The National Support Officer further highlighted the importance of individual and collective responsibility in safeguarding the environment.
The official launch of Tuvalu’s NBSAP marked an important achievement for the Department and reaffirmed Tuvalu’s continued commitment to biodiversity conservation. The launch represents not only the completion of an important national planning process, but also a renewed commitment to translating our biodiversity priorities into meaningful action.
We acknowledge and sincerely thank the Planner of Nukufetau Island, Mr. Fakaapo Suetusi, for availing his time to serve as a panelist during our event. He shared the importance of the rat eradication work undertaken on Nukufetau, a collaborative initiative involving the Department’s Invasive Alien Species Project, the Agriculture Department, Nukufetau Kaupule representatives, and members of the Pacific Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) through the Predator Free Pacific (PFP) Programme, led by technical partners and Island Conservation.
The programme included a presentation on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), delivered by both the Acting Director and the Acting EIA Officer. The presentation further strengthened participants’ understanding of the importance of integrating environmental considerations into development planning and decision-making.
The Department extends its sincere appreciation to the Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment for their leadership and continued support in facilitating the successful endorsement and launch of the NBSAP and in enabling the Department to deliver its programmes and environmental priorities during the TILA.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to our consultant, Mataio Tekinene, for his dedicated work behind the scenes in supporting the completion of the NBSAP. We also acknowledge our former colleague, Tilia Tima, and the SPREP team for their support and contributions throughout the process.
We further extend our appreciation to Tolise Primary School, the Head Teacher, and all staff for warmly welcoming our team and allowing us to conduct a brief environmental awareness session with the students. We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with the students and share the importance of protecting and caring for our environment.
We also acknowledge with gratitude the Ministry team for their hands-on support and assistance throughout the TILA activities.
As we conclude our participation in TILA, we remain committed to working together with our communities, Island Leaders, Kaupule, and stakeholders to strengthen environmental stewardship and build a more sustainable and resilient Tuvalu.
Maloo Fakafetai lasi.
Manuia Vaitupu
Tasi kae Afe
Tuvalu mo te Atua 🇹🇻
