The growing threat of invasive species to Pacific livelihoods and ecosystems has been brought into the spotlight, following the recognition of the Vava’u Environmental Protection Association at the PRISMSS Restoring Island Resilience Awards.

The Tongan-based organisation won the inaugural award last night, highlighting a critical regional issue, which is the increasing damage invasive plants and species are causing to agriculture, biodiversity, and community resilience.

Speaking after the win, Talita Morley from the Vava’u Environmental Protection Association says the impact is already being felt on the ground, particularly in food production.

“We’re planning to expand to reach out to other island groups in Tonga, not only our island groups, but the main islands. We’ve already expanded to Ha’apai, because our agriculture has been harmed by these invasive plants, so we need to get rid of it,” she said.

Morley added that the award funding will allow the organisation to scale up its response, bringing support and awareness to more vulnerable communities.

Across the Pacific, invasive species are widely regarded as one of the most serious environmental threats, damaging crops, displacing native species, and weakening ecosystems that communities rely on for survival.

Morley also used the platform to send a strong message of inclusion and empowerment, particularly for women and young people.

“As a woman, if I can do it, they can do it. This work is not only for men, we as teenagers and youths can stand up for our communities and culture, and fight to protect our environment and our endemic species,” she said.

Regional experts say efforts like these are critical not only for conservation, but also for climate resilience.

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Invasive Species Adviser, David Moverley, said managing invasive species delivers broader benefits beyond environmental protection.

“Not just for tourism, but also for climate change adaptation, we’ve been promoting this work internationally, regionally, and within countries. Events like this help civil society organisations showcase their work at the national level,” he said.

The award underscores a growing recognition that tackling invasive species requires strong community leadership, sustained funding, and regional collaboration, as Pacific nations face mounting environmental and climate pressures.

Six Pacific organisations were recognised at the PRISMSS Restoring Island Resilience Awards for their outstanding work in protecting biodiversity, combating invasive species, and strengthening climate resilience across our region.

They are, Nature Fiji Mareqeti Viti (Fiji), Niue Ocean Wide Trust (Niue), Samoa Conservation Society (Samoa), Société d’Ornithologie de Polynésie (French Polynesia), Te lpukarea Society (Cook Islands), and Vava’u Environmental Protection Association (Tonga)