Pacific Island countries are being urged to place a higher priority on their trees and forests.The value of trees is often measured when they are used as timber, firewood, food or herbal medicines. However, trees are just as important when left to grow.

There is greater recognition now of the way forests may help communities to adapt to climate change. This makes it more urgent to reduce the current rates of deforestation, especially in large island countries where forestry is a major economic activity.New international mechanisms, such as the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD), provide opportunities for countries to safeguard and better manage their forests. 

In Papua New Guinea, the government and landowners cooperate on managing and developing the country’s vast forest resources. In Fiji, over 60% of wood exports now come from mahogany and pine plantations. In Solomon Islands, nearly 1,600 small holders have planted 14,000 ha of high-grade trees such as teak and mahogany. In Vanuatu, sandalwood has become a lucrative small-scale business for local entrepreneurs.

For smaller countries like Kiribati, Samoa and Tonga, protecting trees and forests is critical for protecting the environment, livelihoods and biodiversity. This approach also benefits other sectors such as tourism and agriculture.

The challenges and opportunities for Pacific Island forestry were outlined at an Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission meeting in November 2011 in Beijing, China.

 FAO Pacific Office, Apia

Contact: (Aru Mathias/ [email protected] /FAO SAP)