FAO Forestry country profiles - forest management

History

Forest management and silviculture

French Polynesia is thought to have been settled by Polynesian migrations between 300 and 800 AD. The evolution of forest management in French Polynesia has largely centred on traditional Polynesian agroforestry systems. These are largely subsistence agricultural systems, with forests incorporated into homegardens producing a range of goods to support livelihoods. European influences in French Polynesia commenced in the sixteenth century. France established a protectorate over Tahiti and Moorea in 1843 and incorporated the other island groups in 1880. This was followed by significant forest clearance to facilitate the establishment of coconut, cotton and vanilla plantations. The group became the overseas territory of French Polynesia in 1957.