FAO Forestry country profiles - forest management

Managers

The government¿s principal forestry agency is the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). The Niue Forestry Division within DAFF is responsible for all forestry matters and has been given, over the last 20 years, both financial and technical support by the New Zealand Government. Most of the land on Niue is held under customary ownership by family groups and councils of elders. Rights of ownership are complex and can be difficult to identify. The government has introduced a system of land registration to clarify ownership and acts as mediator in land arrangements. Local government takes the form of village councils, which are responsible for projects to enhance local development. An Environment Unit in the Community Affairs Office coordinates environmental management in Niue, and holds responsibility for environmental policy making and evaluation of projects.

Public participation in forest management

Forestry and forest management is largely a new concept to most Niueans, particularly to the matua (elders) who control the land. While trees are valued for traditional purposes, generally speaking, forests have been regarded as something to be cleared in place of food crops. Responsibility for forest management, consequently, tends to lie with the people, but is largely a passive role. Both the plantation programme and the sawmill have documented difficulties in obtaining, respectively, leases for afforestation and for harvesting activities. The Forestry Division is carrying out a variety of extension activities to promote public awareness of forestry and forest management.