CBD Sixth National Report
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Niue’s Sixth National Report Convention on Biological Diversity August 2020 Department of Environment GOVERNMENT OF NIUE 1 Table of Contents Executive summary ......................................................................................................................................... i Acronyms ....................................................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................................... v Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1 Section I. Targets being pursued at the national level................................................................................ 2 National Target 1: Protection of biological diversity .............................................................................. 3 National Target 2: Policy, planning and institutional frameworks ......................................................... 4 National Target 3: Local communities and customs ............................................................................... 5 National Target 4: Institutional strengthening ........................................................................................ 6 National Target 5: Financial sustainability ............................................................................................... 7 National Target 6: Environmental education and awareness ................................................................ 8 Section II. Implementation measures, their effectiveness, and associated obstacles or needs to achieve national targets ............................................................................................................................. 10 Conservation and sustainable management of terrestrial habitats .................................................... 10 Conservation of terrestrial species ........................................................................................................ 15 Conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems and species ............................... 23 Management of invasive species ........................................................................................................... 28 Management of waste and pollution .................................................................................................... 33 Management of water resources .......................................................................................................... 38 Climate change ....................................................................................................................................... 41 Traditional knowledge and access to benefit sharing .......................................................................... 45 Section III. Assessment of progress towards each national target .......................................................... 51 Theme 1. Conservation and sustainable management of terrestrial habitats .................................... 51 Theme 2: Conservation of Terrestrial Species ...................................................................................... 54 Theme 3: Conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems and species .............. 57 Theme 4: Management of invasive alien species ................................................................................. 59 Theme 5: Management of waste and pollution.................................................................................... 62 Theme 6: Management of water resources .......................................................................................... 64 Theme 7: Climate change ....................................................................................................................... 66 Theme 8: Traditional knowledge and access to benefit sharing .......................................................... 68 Section IV. National contributions in achieving Aichi Biodiversity Targets .............................................. 70 Section V. Updated Biodiversity Country Profile ....................................................................................... 85 Status and trends of biodiversity, including benefits from biodiversity and ecosystem services ...... 85 Main pressures on and drivers of change to biodiversity (direct, indirect) ........................................ 85 Measures to Enhance Implementation of the Convention .................................................................. 86 2 Actions taken to achieve the 2020 ABT ................................................................................................. 86 Support mechanisms for national implementation, e.g. legislation, funding, capacity-building, coordination, mainstreaming ................................................................................................................. 87 Mechanisms for monitoring and reviewing implementation .............................................................. 88 National contacts .................................................................................................................................... 89 Literature cited and References consulted ............................................................................................... 91 3 Executive summary Niue lies in the heart of the Polynesian triangle with the Samoan archipelago to the north, the Cook Islands to the east and the Kingdom of Tonga to the west, at coordinates of 19o South and 169o West. It is an independent, self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. The total land area is 261 km2 (26,146 ha) surrounded by 390,000 km2 of exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Average land height above sea level is 23 metres and the highest point is just under 70 metres. Niue’s population has declined since the 1970s, from a high of 4,990 (recorded in 1971) to a low of 1536 (recorded 2009). The most recent census data recorded a population of 1716 (2007 Census). Niue’s environment remains an important priority for the government and it is one of the seven pillars under the Niue ke Monuina (National Strategic Plan 2016-2026). The national strategy promotes sustainable use and management of natural resources and the environment for present and future generations. The key threats to Niue’s biological diversity are cyclones and droughts, although other pressures, including solid waste and pollution, are largely kept in check due to the limited population. There are very few endemic species found in Niue but some are highly susceptible to human activities and natural disasters. The peka (flying fox), lupe (Pacific pigeon) and the uga (coconut crab) are hunted for food and as such their numbers are on the decline. This 6th National Report of Niue to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) provides an overview of activities and progress carried out to implement the national biodiversity strategy and action plan (NBSAP), and contribute to the Global Biodiversity Strategy and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (ABT). The report follows the guidelines agreed to in Decision XIII/27 of the Conference of the Parties that was held in Cancun, Mexico. Information on the targets being pursued at the national level The national targets are based on the broad goals agreed and endorsed under Niue’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2015. The goals include the protection of biological diversity, developing national frameworks, engaging with communities and strengthening traditions and customs, institutional strengthening, financial sustainability, and improving education and increasing awareness of all Niueans. Under these goals are eight themes and a number of objectives, with the overall vision of an environmentally friendly nation in which conservation and the sustainable management of biological resources support all the living community. The themes and objectives of Niue’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan align closely with the global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and the associated Aichi Biodiversity Targets, under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Implementation measures taken, assessment of their effectiveness, and associated obstacles and scientific and technical needs to achieve national targets The designation of the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area has been the most significant new progress made by the country. 127,000 km2 of ocean, including the Beveridge Reef Nukutulueatama Special Management Area, is enshrined into law for the conservation of many unique migratory and resident marine species. The newly established Moana Mahu, together with community managed protected areas around the island, make up 40% of the total area under conservation, exceeding the 10% global target. On the terrestrial biome, over 20% of the land is under conservation management, which exceeds the global target of 17%. Understanding of species populations has been enhanced through research and collaboration with scientific partners. Many of the significantly important species are threatened by cyclones, hunting and predation by invasive species. With the increase in protected sites in the marine and terrestrial environments, species populations are starting to improve. In turn, this has provided economic opportunities