· Because of the absence of studies on this topic (except for Sandal, where a study is in progress), it is necessary to start with research to provide better knowledge of the so-called priority species and habitats, or even to redefine the list of these priority species and their associated natural habitats more scientifically.
· It is for this reason that that a response was made, in February 1999, to the call for proposals by the Minister for the Environment (in Paris) on the topic:
"Knowledge and conservation of the biodiversity of indigenous forest species in natural forests on French Polynesia: impact of anthropic pressures and identification of measures for appropriate and sustainable management".
Decision makers will need to be made more aware of issues so that that is possible to put together a national action plan, implement it, and ensure its continuity.
In order to create a local timber sector in French Polynesia, a forest program based on Caribbean pine plantations was started in 1977.
Out of a total of 10,000 ha, 4,000 ha have been afforested, on land unsuitable for agriculture either belonging to the state or on private land with agreement of the owners. The stands are found mainly on the Marquesas, Southern, Windward and Leeward Islands.
Only approximately 2000 ha are technically exploitable, as a result of steep slopes, and problems of pressure for land. Some broadleaved plantations had been planned but the initial programme was severely cut back.
After a significant setback in silviculture, work began again in parallel with the development of management plans. Only those of the Southern islands have been implemented until now.
The aim is to help the establishment of private companies via the most " profitable " silvicultural activities, forest harvesting activities, increasing programmes for broadleaved trees, as well as elaborating island forest management plans using reliable and appropriate management tools. Within the current Development Contract framework, French Polynesia’s government will ensure programme management through the Forest Department of the Rural Development Service.
(text of Mr. Vincent Baron)
a) Context
The various trees and bushes of the Santalum L. genus, commonly called sandal or sandalwood, are of great socio-cultural importance for the inhabitants of the Polynesian archipelagos and more particularly on the Marquesas.
Traditionally, on the Pacific Islands, sandalwood has many uses such as a scented additive for coconut oil, its use in traditional pharmacopoeia, for incense and for carving.
Nowadays, sandal has three main industrial and artisanal uses:
* Carving of beautiful pieces of wood;
* The oil of sandal obtained by distillation, for perfumes, cosmetics and pharmacopoeia;
* Incense, from sawdust, chips and distillation residues.
Natural regeneration of sandal is currently non-existent. Tree populations are maintained primarily by vegetative propagation and are very strongly degraded because of destruction by predators (cattle, rodents), fire and human exploitation. Current exploitation threatens the remaining populations of sandal thus reducing an economic potential which would represent a rational exploitation of this resource on the Marquesas Islands. Its genetic potential is also weakening and this is of concern. In order to prevent this probable outcome, a programme to back-up the existing genetic resource of sandal, and allow the objective to be achieved, was developed by CIRAD in New-Caledonia and was adapted to the various environmental conditions found in Oceania
In 1998, French Polynesia started a research project - “Development of knowledge on the resources, nursery techniques, plantation and silviculture of sandal (Santalum insulare var. marchionense, S. insulare var. deckeri)”.
This project aimed to re-establish the economic potential, preservation and development of the remaining natural populations and to preserve biodiversity.
CIRAD brings its scientific and technical expertise to the project by training staff of the Rural Development Service, supervision and scientific / technical follow-up, through a junior forest graduate who is carrying out his national service within the framework of Technical Assistance Volunteers.
b) The project:
This project is made up of three components:
- Knowledge about sandal on the Marquesas -
- Facilitation of plant material and propagation for plant production
- Popularization and education programme on sandal
