Managers

The key government agencies for forestry related matters are the Ministry of Resources and Development and the Environmental Protection Authority. The Agriculture Division within the Ministry of Resources and Development has responsibility for forestry-related programmes and carries out extension work. Primary responsibility for forestry matters lies with the Division¿s Agroforestry Section. The Environmental Protection Authority is an autonomous body established under the provisions of the 1984 National Environmental Protection Act, with a broad responsibility for environmental protection and management, including the protection of natural sites.

Land tenure in the Marshall Islands is dictated by customary law, encapsulated in the Constitution of the Marshall Islands. Land may not be alienated from customary ownership without the express permission of specified representatives. In practice, non-Marshallese may only lease land. Almost all land is owned by families and clans, who are also responsible for the day-to-day management of forest areas. A Council of Iroij (Chiefs) provides a consultative body on customary and tenurial issues. A Traditional Rights Court holds hearings and determines opinions on substantial questions relating to titles, land rights or other items of traditional practice or customary law.

Public participation in forest management

Virtually all land is held in traditional ownership. Ownership and rights to land are based on a complicated system of titles, ranks, inheritances and land categories. In this matrilineal society, each individual belongs to the bwij (clan) of her or his mother and has certain rights to the land and other property of the bwij. Land ownership is limited to Marshallese, but it may be leased to non-citizens. Given that several individuals may possess any given piece of land, disputes involving ownership are common. Forest management responsibilities rest with landowners.
last updated: Tuesday, November 24, 2009