In an innovative conservation success, 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. This nation-led initiative, supported by regional and international partners, marks a significant step toward restoring biodiversity and strengthening community resilience in the face of climate change.
The Predator Free Pacific (PFP) programme, part of the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS), was implemented by the Tuvalu Department of Environment with technical support from Island Conservation.
Enabled by PRISMSS and led by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the programme was conducted between July and September 2024, building on efforts initiated in 2023 under SPREP’s GEF-6 Regional Invasives Project (RIP).
This initiative is part of the broader PRISMSS “Restoring Island Resilience” (RIR) programme, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the GEF 6 RIP. The PRISMSS RIR programme connects Pacific Island countries with technical expertise and resources to manage invasive species at scale.
