FAO Forestry country profiles - legislation

Tonga

Forestry legislation

The 1961 Forest Act, amended in 1991, controls the use of forests and includes protection and conservation measures including the establishment of forest reserves and the protection of water catchments. A 1988 Parks and Reserves Act provides for "the establishment of a Parks and Reserves Authority and for the establishment, preservation and administration of parks and reserves". The Preservation of Objects of Archaeological Interest Act of 1969 provides for the protection of a number of historical, cultural and archaeological sites, many of which are also protected by traditional law. A recent Environmental Protection Act contains provisions related to forest management.