FAO Forestry country profiles - forest management

Managers

Primary governmental responsibility for forestry in Tuvalu rests with the Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture, itself a part of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). Also within the MNRE is an Environment Unit, which focuses on the environment in general. MNRE carries out environmental impact assessments in relation to development projects, however, these are not done in relation to overseas funded projects. The Ministry of Home Affairs and Rural Development deals with all issues related to village development and village by-laws that regulate resource use. All land on Tuvalu is under traditional ownership and regulated mainly by customary law. The government does not own any land, but can lease land for any ¿public purpose¿ including for conservation projects.

Public participation in forest management

The Constitution of Tuvalu 1986 affirms the stability of Tuvaluan society and the happiness and welfare of the people of Tuvalu, both present and future, depend very largely on the maintenance of Tuvaluan values, culture and tradition, including the vitality and the sense of identity of island communities and attitudes of co-operation, self-help and unity within and amongst those communities. Forest management in Tuvalu reflects the collaborative and participatory principles enshrined in the Constitution. All land is held under customary ownership, with day-to-day management decisions, at the community level, generally made by island councils. This encompasses a very strong participatory approach to resource management. Community workshops have been held to discuss potential roles for community involvement in resource management and protected areas in Tuvalu.