FAO Forestry country profiles - forest management

Practices

Forest types in Micronesia include lowland, montane, riverine, swamp, mangrove and atoll forest. Much of the lowland natural vegetation has been cleared for coconut plantations (e.g. on Yap and Puluwat) or disturbed by phosphate mining (e.g. on the raised coral island of Fais). Few areas of natural vegetation remain on the Chuuk Islands, except on the high volcanic islands of Moen, Dublon, Uman, Fefan, Udot and Tol. Although much of the lowland forests have been disturbed, both Kosrae and the island of Pohnpei retain upland forests. The basis of the subsistence production is shifting cultivation and agroforestry systems. Little silviculture takes place outside of agroforestry systems, although there are small areas of plantations, mainly of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). Community-based forest and resource management is, however, a highly significant trend, which promises local control over resources that are legitimately considered to belong to the community, and ensures resource management and use consistent with Micronesian traditions of autonomous, consensus-based decision-making.

Forest conservation measures

With the notable exception of the watershed conservation areas on Pohnpei and interior lands on Kosrae, most forest lands are in private or traditional ownership and this has inhibited the establishment of protected areas. Nonetheless, conservation is ascribed the highest priority for forest management in the FSM. Commercial timber operations are discouraged and a ban on log exports has been imposed. Large watershed areas have been designated as conservation areas under community management. Despite this, exploitation of forests on public lands and mangrove forests remains largely uncontrolled.

Forest protection measures

Forest health issues are being addressed in collaboration with the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, such as a project focusing on control of Imperata cylindrica grasslands on Yap, along with production of a field manual on Imperata grassland rehabilitation using agroforestry and assisted natural regeneration. In Pohnpei, some grasslands are naturally afforesting with Albizzia falcataria. Rehabilitation of these grasslands is important to promote biodiversity, but also because they increase susceptibility to wildfires. In addition, Micronesia lies in the tropical cyclone belt, consequently, species¿ windfirmness and shelter is an issue in all forestry activities.

Forest harvesting practices

Logging and milling in the FSM are not licensed activities and no timber royalty systems exist. In general, commercial harvesting is on a very minor scale. The steep slope of the land in Pohnpei and Kosrae prevents the establishment of stable forest roading systems and this limits harvesting in the largest forest areas. Privately-owned sawmills have operated at one time or another in each state, selling rough sawn timber in the local market for construction. At present, only two saw mills on Pohnpei are operating commercially - one in Kitti milling mangrove timber and one in Kolonia, utilizing upland timber. Scattered use of forest resources occurs across all states. Timber is cut by subsistence land holders for construction and firewood. Small volumes of mangrove timber are harvested for use in handicraft industries, and both upland and mangrove timber is used for furniture making. The preferred species is Xylocarpus granatum. Small volumes of Callophyllum spp. and mahogany are used for boat building and carving.