FAO Forestry country profiles - forest management

Issues and concerns

The principle forestry concerns in Vanuatu relate to deforestation and forest degradation. Large areas of lowland forest have been cleared, leading to severe erosion and raising concerns over loss of biodiversity. Coastal erosion is a significant problem in some areas. Overgrazing and burning of forests in the uplands is a significant cause of soil and watershed degradation. The country¿s lack of environmental management experience, as well as limited funding, have been identified as major constraints to achieving sustainable resource use. There are concerns over the capacity of the Department of Forests to adequately monitor logging operations and fulfil roles envisaged in the Reduced Impact Logging guidelines once current donor-funded projects end. A number of challenges are attached to logging concessions, beginning with a history of poor logging practices, inadequate training of operators, and the short tenure of many concessions, which reduces incentives for good management. The focus on only a few timber species promotes high-grading of forests, resulting in degradation.