Pacific Technologies A publication of the Agroforestry Information Service December 1994, Number 9 Fuelwood production in the South Pacific Trees and forests are an important part of island resources.
Trees can help the environment and provide the opportunity for future development activities.
The importance of trees and forests is well known to Pacific Islanders. Traditionally valued as a source of building materials for homes and canoes, food, firewood, fiber, medicine, and flowers, the significant role of trees is often taken for granted. Population growth, commercial and private development, and indiscriminate gathering of firewood and wood products are degrading the islands' native forest resources. In order to stop and reverse environmental problems due to the loss of native forest, a combination of traditional land management practices and innovative planning strategies is required. A basic element in achieving this goal is planting trees.