Samoa has been the recipient of Global Environment Facility (GEF) financial support since the pilot phase of the GEF when Samoa participated in two regional projects: one on biodiversity, the other on climate change. These two projects set the stage for GEF interventions in Samoaand the Pacific region as a wholecreating a partnership among the GEF, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the South Pacific
Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP), and the Samoan Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) that continues to this day.
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