FAO Forestry country profiles - forest management

Issues and concerns

The key forestry issues in New Caledonia result from the significant deforestation and forest degradation associated with burning and clearing for agriculture, and particularly clearing associated with nickel mining. Natural vegetation now covers less than half of New Caledonia and around 600 000 hectares of niaouli savannahs have replaced the original forest formations, which have been destroyed by repeated fires. Mine spoils cover more than 3 000 hectares and forests may play some role in rehabilitating these areas. At the same time, mining exploitation and forest fires have contributed to significant soil erosion in some areas. Land tenure issues remain a significant challenge for effective forest management and particularly plantation establishment. Conflicting land claims abound among tribes because they have often been displaced by the state. Similarly, there remain difficulties in enforcing regulations associated with environmental protection.