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A successful pilot project that's helped restore marine biodiversity and the declining ecosystems in a Tongan lagoon will be used in 14 other Pacific countries.
The 3-year Ridge to Reef project is restoring the Fanga'uta Lagoon catchment, which borders the capital, Nuku'alofa.
The lagoon's once rich diversity has been destroyed over the years by climate change, poor sustainable management and waste dumping.
Project Manager Ta'hirih Fifita Hokafonu says building partnerships with the lagoon's 26 surrounding villages has been key.