A BIORAP is a biological inventory programme
undertaken in marine and terrestrial environments, and
is designed to rapidly assess the biodiversity of highly
diverse areas. Options to manage threats and protect
biodiversity of national or international significance are
recommended to governing communities.
3 copies and also available online
Call Number: VF 7427 ,[EL]
Physical Description: 12p. : ill. (col.) ; 29cm.
The Biological Rapid Assessment Programme (BIORAP) is a biological survey based on a concept developed by Conservation International and designed to use scientific information to catalyse conservation action. BIORAP methods are designed to rapidly assess the biodiversity of highly diverse areas and to train local scientists in biodiversity survey techniques.The BIORAP can be considered a spatial and temporal ‘snapshot’ of Vava’u’s full range of biodiversity.
Situated between Fiji to the west and Samoa to the northeast, the Kingdom of Tonga (referred
to as Tonga) is comprised of 171 scattered islands of which less than 50 are inhabited. The islands are
mainly composed of limestone formed from uplifted coral. Current critical environmental concerns have
arisen due to deforestation; damage to coral reefs and the introduction and spread of invasive alien
species. Anthropogenic pressure has resulted in extensive modification of all ecosystems on the
The malau or Polynesian megapode was only found on Niuafo'ou until a second population was estanlished relatively recently on Fonualei Island in the vava'u Group.
Available online
Call Number: [EL],591.529 REP
ISBN/ISSN: 978-982-04-0692-6,978-982-03-0692-3
Physical Description: 38 p. 29 cm
Tonga is one of the many islands that are endowed with unique resources and derives much of its economic, environmental and social well-being directly or indirectly from its environment.
Tonga harbours numerous special ecosystems: from the peak of Mt, Talau in Vavau, to the serenity of Vai Lahi in Niuafoou; the vulnerability of the Haapai Group to Euas National
Forest and to the Fangauta Lagoon in Tongatapu. Beyond the aesthetic beauty of the ecosystems to tourists and visitors; they provide immense support to the communities whose
Natural disasters such as hurricanes, cyclones, and tropical depressions cause average annual direct losses of US$284 million in the Pacific. With a combined population of fewer than 10 million people, annual losses are the highest in the world on a per-capita basis. Extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall are closely linked to climate change, suggesting that Pacific Island nations face increasing risk of disasters such as flooding and landslides. Proactive management through infrastructure development, social solutions, and/or ecosystem-based adaptation can mitigate these risks.