FAO Forestry country profiles - forest management

Practices

The principal forest management practices are those incorporating forested trees into agroforestry systems, as shade canopy and to provide protection from winds and salt-spray. Agroforestry systems are largely subsistence in nature, with the exception of copra production. Coconut and pandanus are the most common canopy species with taro, pulaka, yams, breadfruit, taamu, papaya and bananas as common understorey and ground crops.

Forest conservation measures

To date, there has been little formal conservation activity in Tokelau, although traditional practices incorporate conservation traditions. The environmental strategy for Tokelau incorporates plans to initiate a conservation and protected areas programme.

Forest protection measures

Tokelau has an environment relatively free of pests and diseases. At present, a New Zealand ODA-funded Cook Islands-Niue-Tokelau Plant Protection Project is examining plant protection needs in Tokelau. The project is working to develop the national quarantine service of Tokelau, as well as providing support on the control of rats and rhinoceros beetles, which harm a number of crops in the country.

Forest harvesting practices

There is no commercial harvesting of forests on Tokelau. Local timber, particularly Cordia subcordata, is used for canoe-making, houses and domestic utensils. Wood also provides an important source of domestic fuel. This harvesting is carried out on an ad hoc basis.