Ene’io Botanical Garden

The Ene’io Botanical Garden positively contributes to addressing the impacts of climate change, simply by being a large garden full of permeable surfaces, trees and vegetation. Beyond that, its contributions to offsetting the negative effects of climate change in Tonga are significant. The Garden tells a story of Tonga’s agricultural history and protects its native species. It brings communities together, attracts tourists, and is a bird sanctuary. That it was started by one man in the 1970s is a testament to how much of a difference one person can make in their lifetime to climate change adaptation. 

Traditional Tongan culture and knowledge is closely connected to the Earth and its plants. As climate change threatens biodiversity and ecosystems, being able to preserve plant species is invaluable. Some native Tongan plants have specific uses in Tongan culture, and can be sources of food, clothing, building materials and medicines (Eagles, 2007). The garden holds demonstrations and workshops to teach people how to use local species for weaving, making tapa (traditional cloth made of bark), as well as how to extract vanilla essence, and uses for coconut. 

Providing people with knowledge of how to sustainably use the local natural world around them for food and resources increases resilience to climate change. Additionally, The Ene’io Botanical Garden creates a space for local communities to gather, learn and grow together; reconnecting to each other and the Earth.

The Ene’io Botanical Garden supports 550 different plant varieties and 150 plant families, including almost all of those native to Tonga. This is an incredible, invaluable resource for education and research, and to ensure that the species are protected. It supports a network of birds, insects, and plants that create an ecosystem essential for the health of the islands.