HA'APAI - Community Conservation in Action

Abstract

Ha'apai is one of the Kingdom of Tonga's main group of islands. Spread out over 10,000 sq. km of the Pacific Ocean, it includes a variety of submerged reefs, coral atolls, barrier reefs, and volcanic islands. The islanders depend on the health of the reefs for their main food source. On land, much of the original vegetation has been replaced by gardens, agriculture and coconut plantation, but trees and plants for cultural and medicinal purposes are still important in the daily life of most of the locals. The local communities are working together with the government in setting up the Pacific's largest conservation area so far, covering the entire Ha'apai group. This video takes us to Ha'apai where we visit reefs, islands, and people hear why it is important to conserve the biodiversity of the area.