Practices

Traditional Tuvaluan production systems are not compartmentalized into separate economic sectors. Rather, forestry, agriculture, industry and trade all constitute components of an integrated livelihood system that encompass environmental, economic and cultural needs of island communities. Forest management is, consequently, centred on multiple-use agroforestry systems in which trees are planted and manage to perform a wide variety of functions, including providing food, medicine, shade and shelter (including from salt spray), building and handicraft materials, nutrient recycling and soil stabilization. Coconut palms are ubiquitous in these systems, but other species such as pandanus, breadfruit, papaya and citrus trees are important component species. Silvicultural techniques such as pruning, pollarding and coppicing, as well as home garden-type cultivation are all carried out to improve growth of selected species or understorey crops.

Forest conservation measures

Tuvalu has only one protected area, the Funafuti Marine Conservation Area, established in 1995. The area includes six uninhabited islets bounding the Funafuti lagoon, with limited vegetation cover. The Conservation Area is very much a collaborative project, developed in the traditional island council and involving lengthy consultation between community elders and officials from national and regional environment organizations. The area is administered by the Funafuti Island Council and all residents on the island are expected to help look after the park. The primary objective is to conserve the biodiversity of Funafuti atoll through the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of the community.

Forest protection measures

Cyclone activity around Tuvalu is rare relative to many Pacific Islands. There were only four severe hits in the past hundred years, although all have occurred since 1972. The fragility and susceptibility of the Tuvaluan atolls is underscored by the damage incurred during these storms. In 1972, Hurricane Bebe knocked down approximately 70 percent of coconut trees. In 1997, cyclones Gavin and Hina eroded an estimated 7 percent of the total land area. Tree and coconut plantings are designed to provide storm and salt spray shelter to vulnerable crops, though the atoll landscapes restrict, to some degree, the extent to which protection can be provided.

Forest harvesting practices

Trees and coconut palms are harvested on an ad hoc basis to meet subsistence requirements for buildings, fuelwood and other domestic purposes. Most timber needs are met from imports.
last updated: Tuesday, November 24, 2009