SCP Context
National SCP context and Connection to the Global Agenda: tourism and marine ecosystems
The government is implementing the Niue National Strategic Plan 2016 - 2026, focusing waste management, sustainable tourism, responsible investment in marine and fisheries resources, and the sustainable use and management of natural resources. [1] In collaboration with the island's tourism industry, Niue has launched a Responsible Tourism Policy, supported by Tourism Business and Visitor Codes of Conduct. The government has also banned single-use plastic bags on the island and committed to beginning the process of phasing out plastic straws by providing every hotel, bar, restaurant, and café with reusable metal straws. [2]
Challenges
- The private sector in Niue faces a persistent challenge with labor supply. This is due to the island's small population, which has more individuals under 14 and over 65 than those in the economically active age groups. Additionally, a significant number of people migrating to New Zealand further worsens the limitation on Niue's available labor force.6
- The island rests on a raised coral reef. Niue is threatened with losing its marine life from overfishing and the effects of climate change. Ocean fauna is an invaluable resource for the people of the South Pacific Island.[3]
- Protect underground water resources and marine life, ensure food security and control invasive weeds
- The country faces growing waste challenges from e-waste, disaster debris, plastics on the shores, and materials from electric vehicles and solar panels, with high export costs and limited shipping options.[4]
- Agricultural production, primarily of root crops, is highly sensitive to changes in rainfall patterns, as the country has no surface water and relies on groundwater resources and rainwater catchment.[5]
Priority sectors
- Critical infrastructure resilience should be enhanced through strengthened risk and climate-proofing measures, along with robust consequences and emergency management planning, ensuring the uninterrupted continuity of services.1
- Securing adaptation finance to reduce climate impacts on ecosystems and vital resources
- Niue is an environmentally friendly country, with conservation and sustainable management of biological resources supporting its entire community and ecosystems. As such, effective waste management practices are crucial.1
- Tourism is the key economic driver in Niue, and its government has prioritized the development of sustainable tourism. They aim to attract higher-spending tourists and boost tourism during off-peak times, possibly by expanding the meetings and events sector and extending the shoulder season.[6]
- Niue's primary industry sector is primarily focused on subsistence agriculture and the processing of organic produce for export, including taro, coconut, vanilla, and noni juice.[7]
Opportunities
- Promoting sustainable cultural tourism for growth, offering visitors a rich cultural experience while benefiting local communities.1
- Raise awareness through tourism sector about plastics pollution and alternatives.
- Promoting sustainable and responsible investment along the value chain for marine and fisheries resources1, as well as sustainable agriculture policies and programs throughout the entire supply chain.
- Enhancing collaboration across sectors, with strong private sector involvement and community ownership, paves the way for sustainable waste management and the repurpose of waste streams, creating new opportunities for partnership.4
- Take advantage of the Losses and Damages Fund in support to adaptation programmes.
[1] Government of Niue. (2016). Niue National Strategic Plan 2016 - 2026
[2] Niue Island. (n.d.). Sustainability
[3] National Geographic. (n.d.). Niue's Fight to Sustain Itself
[4] Tonkin+Taylor. (2024). Waste Management + Sustainability in Niue
[5] Government of Niue. (2022). Intended Nationally Determined Contributions
[6] Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative. (2020). Niue Pacific Tourism Sector Snapshot
[7] New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade. (2021). Niue Four Year Plan
