This policy briefing paper provides a concise synthesis of the key findings, policy priorities and recommended actions emerging from the National Policy Framework Assessment on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Tonga’s coastal resilience and forestry sectors.
Designed for policy-makers, technical agencies, civil society organisations and development partners, the briefing translates the detailed assessment findings into practical recommendations to support the integration of Nature-based Solutions across national development, climate change, biodiversity, forestry, fisheries and land-use planning frameworks.
The briefing highlights Tonga’s strong policy readiness for Nature-based Solutions, underpinned by existing frameworks such as the Climate Change Policy, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), Joint National Action Plan on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (JNAP II), and Tonga Strategic Development Framework. It also identifies key barriers to implementation, including limited financing, fragmented institutional coordination, land-tenure complexities, inconsistent monitoring systems and capacity constraints.
To address these challenges, the briefing outlines a strategic roadmap for policy reform and implementation, including updating key sector policies, strengthening NbS coordination mechanisms, developing land-use planning and zoning frameworks, establishing national monitoring systems and indicators, and creating sustainable financing pathways for ecosystem restoration and climate resilience initiatives.
The briefing paper serves as a practical decision-support resource for advancing policy reform, guiding investment priorities and supporting the long-term mainstreaming of Nature-based Solutions as a core approach to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Tonga.
