Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Niue

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Niue.

Natural Resources: Fish, arable land, and forests represent Niue's primary natural resources. The surrounding Pacific Ocean waters are rich in marine life, supporting both subsistence and commercial fishing, with tuna among the most economically significant species. Niue's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spans a vast area of ocean, giving the island considerable potential for sustainable fisheries management and licensing revenue. A small proportion of the island's land is suitable for agriculture, with crops such as taro, yams, and various tropical fruits cultivated for local consumption and limited export. Niue's limestone terrain and relatively thin topsoil constrain large-scale farming. The island also possesses forested areas that provide timber and non-timber forest products, though these are managed with conservation in mind given Niue's commitment to environmental sustainability and its designation of large marine protected areas.
Natural Hazards: typhoons

Current Environmental Issues: increasing attention to conservationist practices to counter loss of soil fertility from traditional slash and burn agriculture
International Agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Detailed geography