Our Pacific Islands have success stories to tell when it comes to eradicating invasive species, contributing to achieving Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to reduce the introduction and impact of invasive alien species.
In Tonga, a rat eradication programme spanning over a decade has resulted in the strong return of the Tongan Whistler, also known as the Hengehenga, in the native lowland forest area of Mount Talau on Vava’u, Tonga.
The Marshall Islands have released the leucaena psyllid (Heteropsylla cubana), a tiny but mighty leaf-feeding insect that naturally targets only leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala), which is highly invasive there, and Tuvalu has completed the successful eradication of invasive rats from four islets, namely Sakalua, Motumua, Teafuone, and Tefatule, within the Nukufetau Atoll, as well as Tepuka and Falefatu.
The removal of invasive rats has already begun to benefit native seabirds, endangered green sea turtles, and the coconut agroforests that are vital to the livelihoods of communities on Nukufetau.
And in the Cook Islands, rats were successfully eradicated from Palmerston Island, resulting in improved fruit and vegetable production, regeneration of native plants, and the return and increased visibility of birds and other native species.
“We’re a large ocean space made up of 15 islands dispersed across a vast area of the Pacific Ocean. For us, invasive alien species are not simply an environmental issue,” presented Ms Elizabeth Munro of the Cook Islands delegation as she spoke during a special event on invasive species during the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
“They affect our native biodiversity, food security, water, livelihoods, community well-being and our resilience to climate change. Our experience has also taught us that alien species management cannot be separated from the people who live on our islands.”
The “Scaling up action on invasive alien species: the need to take a strategic approach to meet Target 6” special event was held on 23 October during the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
While sharing our Pacific Islands wins in invasive species, the Pacific Small Island Developing States are also working to recognise regional networks of Small Island Developing States such as the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS).
This is a collaboration of leading organisations supporting countries and communities to take action against invasive species threats, building resilience across Pacific Island ecosystems through six comprehensive programs.
“Our Pacific islands are calling for support for data, early detection and rapid response, emergency funding when it comes to addressing invasive species,” said Ambassador Amena Yauvoli, Director of Biodiversity Conservation of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
“Target 6 calls for reducing invasive alien species by at least 50percent by 2030, eradicating or controlling invasive alien species especially in priority sites, such as islands. While we have many success stories to share in this space, the battle against invasive species in our islands is an ongoing one.”
This was cemented by Ms Munro, who shared the experience of Atiu, one of the 15 islands in the Cook Islands. A raised coral island, the community undertook a long-term program to eradicate the Mynah bird, which took over ten years to control and then eradicate. Atiu was finally declared free of Mynah birds in 2024. In doing this, the island community was prepared for possible ecological consequences. They were informed that removing the mynah bird could result in changes in other invasive species populations.
Ultimately, the removal of the mynah bird saw an increase in the flat moth and stick insect, which affected coconut trees across the whole island. This eventually levelled off with the introduction of biological controls.
“This experience highlighted the importance of understanding ecological relationships, anticipating unintended impacts and maintaining monitoring after the eradication,” said Ms Munro.
“For the Cook Islands, implementing Target 6 means moving beyond individual eradication projects towards integrated community-led invasive species management to protect biodiversity and support our people’s livelihoods. I urge those with available funds to support the initiative for rapid access to appropriate emergency funds for islands so we can continue to rapidly eradicate invasive alien species.”
Negotiations continue for the second week ahead.
The Seventeenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) is held in Yerevan, Armenia from 19 to 30 October 2026…..PACNEWS