Pacific Islands >241,g:AID FORESTS & TREES (Incorporating SPRIG News and ACIAR Pacific Forestry Update) No.4/98 December 1998 1998 Heads of Forestry Meeting INSIDE The Heads of Forestry (HoFs) of 17 Pacific The USDA Forest Service's Institute of Island countries and territories (PICTs), and Pacific Islands Forestry, CIRAD-Foret, over 60 representatives of more than 20 FSPI, SPRIG, and other programmes 3 PIF&TSP Tripartite Review government, NGO, regional, international, and agencies should continue or increase UNDP Small Grants Scheme donor and other agencies met in Nadi, their collaboration with PIF&TSP, its New Staff Member from 21 - 25 September 1998, for the 8th client forestry agencies, and other Causes of Deforestation and Pacific Islands HoF meeting. The 7th HoF regional organizations to provide Forest Degradation Workshop meeting was held in 1996 in Port Vila, technical assistance to Pacific island 4 Traditional Medicine Workshop in . The Assistant Minister of states. Vanuatu Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests, Fiji, Mr. Agencies operating small grants COLP and RIH Workshop Lagisoa Delana, addressed and opened the programmes in the region should in meeting. Mr Fred Muller of Marshall Islands coordinate to avoid duplication and to 5 Silviculture and RIH Workshop was elected chairperson and Mr Tavau Teii of refer rejected but worthy applications to in PNG Tuvalu vice chairperson of the meeting. more appropriate sources offunding. Vanuatu Endorses National Forest EU should review the standard financial Policy In the first two days, 22 papers were presented size of its projects and its mechanisms of Solomon Islands to End on "Regional and Other Initiatives in the financial assistance, to allow small Unsustainable Logging Forests and Trees Sector in the Pacific," and communities to request assistance. 6 Vanuatu Code of Logging on the third and fourth days, 20 papers were FAO member countries in the region Practice presented on "The Role of Forests and Trees should participate in the Sustainable Foundation for People and in Mitigating the Impacts of Climate Change Forest Management and Information Community Development - PNG on Pacific Island Communities." The last day Exchange working groups organized 7 World Seed Programme was devoted to the discussion and adoption of under the Asia Pacific Forestry 8 SPRIG News the meeting report, and the tripartite review of Commission. SPRIG Update the PIF&TSP. Country reports and agency Financial and educational support for Training Course on Vegetative statements were distributed for information post-secondary education of Pacific Propagation of Tropical Forest only. Islanders in forestry and closely allied Tree Species fields should be a priority for assistance SPRIG/AusAID Breaking New The recommendations of the HoF meeting to the US -affiliated Pacific Islands. Ground in Tonga were as follows; Programmes to develop systems of 11 ACIAR Pacific Forestry Update information exchange, study tours, and Identifying Nutritional Constraints Sub -theme I: Partnerships and modes of short term training within the region to Tree Growth collaboration between governments, donors, should be maintained and expanded. Overcoming Iron Defeciency in regional programs and Non -Government Arrangements, should be made to ensure Eucalyptus degulupta - Nursery Organizations (NGOs) that HoFs are kept informed of Stock The transition of PIF&TSP from FAO to developments in the IFF process. 12 SPRIG Announcement SPC implementation should be well With the reduction of trade barriers, planned and adequately funded to avoid Pacific islands must implement interruption in momentum and activities, appropriate stumpage pricing, enforce especially its coordination (focal point/ codes of logging practice and allowable clearing house) role to maximize annual cuts, and competitively develop effectiveness of forestry assistance in the local processing industries, to develop QUOTE Pacific. their economies and sustainably manage The respective donors and authorities their natural resources. are strongly urged to support the A regional study should be initiated to There shall be peace on earth, but not until, continued contribution of forests and review the impact of World Trade All children daily eat their fill, trees to maintaining the development and Organization rules on the ability of Go warmly clad against the winter wind, livelihoods of PICTS and communities, Pacific Island countries to slow the And learn their lessons with a tranquil mind by providing funding support to the SPC depletion of their natural forest Forests and Trees Programme and resources and to achieve sustainable And thus released from hunger, fear and need, Regardless of their color, race or creed, national forests and trees programmes. forest management. Look upward smiling to the skies, The to seek PIF&TSP should continue Theirfaith in life reflected in their eyes. donor funding for the SPC Forests and Sub -theme 2: Partnerships and modes ( Trees programme activities after 1999. collaboration with communities al, The Children's Charter A sub -regional association or committee community -based non-governme, UN Women's Guild of atoll island states should be organizations (NGOs) established within the HoF body. (Continued on page December 1998 Pacific Islands Forests & Trees

(Continued from page 1) Increased funding should be provided mangroves and assist in mobilizing both Fully participatory processes should be to extend market -based approaches to human and financial resources to used in project design, where sustainable natural resource promote an integrated approach to appropriate and feasible, to facilitate management to more countries. manage the mangrove resources. community development. National policy measures and Silvicultural research and management The participatory approach to incentives should be developed to programmes should be sufficiently development programmes may require encourage private and community flexible and adaptable to include native extended start-up times that must be investments in sustainable management species newly recognised as having included in project design and of existing forests and forest economic potential. programme schedules. plantations. A regional review of Codes of Logging The complementary role of NGOs to the Forestry agencies must periodically Practice should be conducted to see if efforts of government in community assess and redefine their roles and they are beingfollowed in the field development should be recognized, and working relationships with other A regional programme on sustainable closer cooperation and collaboration stakeholders in the forestry sector, to forest management, including the between government agencies and NGOs best contribute to sustainable economic development of methods for the should be encouraged development. rehabilitation of logged areas and Effective NGOs should extend their Annual training opportunities for atolls addressing forest certification issues, work and their models to more countries should be continued. Another should be initiated. The P1F&TSP is to strengthen the capabilities of local, agroforestry training workshop should urged to initiate steps in this direction. community-based NGOs. be held in 1999. Island countries must initiate and Grant programs offered to communities A project should be initiated to continue forest plantation programmes should have simple and concise proposal introduce, cultivate, harvest and market to reduce pressures on natural forest procedures and prompt processing and bamboos on atolls and high islands. resources. response mechanisms. A regional programme should be Projects should include plans to ensure Sub-theme 4: Reduced impact logging(RIL) initiated to develop methods for the that communities are able to continue All forestry agencies in the region afforestation of grassland areas. activities on their own after the external should be made aware that RIL Each country should periodically review inputs end. methods developed in Queensland, Fiji, inventories, growth & yield analyses, Conservation measures and Vanuatu, and other countries are and research and management conservation areas should continue to be available for use and modification by recommendations to bring allowable established with the full commitment and all. Innoprise should clarify the annual cuts, timber lease agreements involvement of local communities and implications of its placement of a trade and silvicultural prescriptions in line forestry agencies. mark on carbon sequestration with sustainable forest management. Where feasible, management quantification associated with RIL. Research on the silviculture of native recommendations for conservation Further assessments of the species, including conditions for natural should be expressed in traditional forms environmental and economic benefits of regeneration, fertilization, and growth of land management and enforced by RIL should be undertaken by the rates, should be incorporated into the traditional authorities.should be forestry agencies in the region. SPRIG or ACIAR programme. encouraged. Countries in the region should consider introducing RIL; RIL guidelines and Sub-theme 6: Forest genetic resources Sub-theme 3: Sustainable economic variable silvicultural prescriptions Many of the activities conducted under development suitable to the specific conditions of the SPRIG, such as institutional Subsistence and domestic needs and different countries should be developed. strengthening, evaluation of tree genetic markets should be balanced with export resources, tree improvement, and markets; domestic processing should be Sub -theme 5: Mangrove forest and native provision of benefits to communities, are implemented as much as possible. upland forest management and of a longer -term nature and need Financial and economic analyses of eco- conservation support beyond the present 3 -year pilot forestry community -based projects The local studies of mangrove forests phase. should be done to evaluate the viability done at Kosrae should be extended and SPRIG 's activities should be extended of investments made. generalised to other areas in the more widely in the region, through Overall profitability should not be the Pacific. greater networking and sharing of sole measure of success of a development The value of the indirect benefits of technologies, information and genetic project; social impacts and the mangroves, such as ecosystem services, materials, and development of parallel distribution of costs and benefits within should be investigated to allow their activities in more countries. Planting the community should also be full economic worth to be assessed. materials for atolls should be included considered. Mangrove forests should be managed to Recognising the numerous threats to Communities should be equipped to ensure that suitable habitat is forest genetic resources, a Pacific Sub - implement and benefit from sustainable maintained for fish and crabs, and the regional action plan for forest genetic forest management; they need; continuation of ecosystem services, resources should be developed, based on -full awareness offactors in their such as shoreline protection and national action plans, as a matter offor decision to participate; sediment trapping. of urgency; the proposed "Pacific Sub - -technical and entrepreneurial In the conservation of mangroves, the regional Workshop on the Conservation training; and most important role for forestry and and Use of Forest & Tree Genetic -financing, including trust funds as agroforestry agencies is to provide Resources" (to be held in April 1999 in appropriate. strong leadership to bring together Apia, Samoa) is strongly supported and Within countries, regional facilities agencies and organisations from all endorsed should be established to address sectors (including environmental The proposed sub -regional workshop on marketing, quality control, extension, protection, marine resources, and forest genetic resources should include and possibly certification for small public works) to create public as a topic risk analysis and risk producers. awareness of the importance of the (Continued on page 12) 2 Pacific Islands Forests & Trees December 1998

PIF&TSP Tripartite Review The Tripartite. Review Meeting of the UNDP/ successful. The project has also been priority areas indicated by the Heads of AusAID-funded PIF&TSP was held in Nadi, successful in mobilising additional project Forestry. The TPR endorsed the Fiji, on 25 September 1998. The meeting funding for project activities from various recommendations presented in the APPR, and was the first TPR after SPC became the development partners especially AusAID, the 1999 work-plan. executing agency of the programme in and including US Forest Service, Republic January 1997, and also served as the mid- of China, Republic of Korea, ILO, UNDHA, The direction of the Forests and Trees term review of the Project. The meeting was FSP Fiji, Pacific German Regional Forestry Programme after the current phase (i.e., attended by the Heads of Forestry from Project, and SPC. Such additional funding December 1999) was naturally of high seventeen (17) Pacific island countries and and collaboration enabled the PIF&TSP to concern to the member countries. Successor territories, as well as representatives from organise and co-finance activities than arrangements that had previously been agreed SPC, AusAID, UNDP, FAO and various would otherwise have been possible. upon were confirmed by SPC. The procedure other agencies and the timing of the recruitment of the SPC The Programme Co-ordinator presented the Forests and Trees Advisor were also clarified The TPR participants were generally pleased Annual Programme/Project Report (APPR) at the meeting. with the achievements made by the PIF&TSP to the participants, highlighting the activities Submitted by to date. The focal point and co-ordinating undertaken between January 1997 to August Yuki Yoshida mechanism, one of the key objectives of the 1998. The provisional work -plan of 1999 UNDP project, was perceived to have been highly was also presented, which was based on the Suva UNDP Small Grants Scheme The UNDP Small Grants Scheme was ap- were screened by the respective technical recommended to the UNDP Approvals Com- proved with effect from 01 September 1998. review committees. Eight (8), including one mittee which will meet in early December. from Cook Islands, two each from Fiji and Four of the proposals are in the Forests and A number of proposals were received during Vanuatu and three from the Solomon Islands Trees sector, and two each in the Food the months of September to November and were favourably reviewed and have been Security and Nutrition, and Sustainable

Welcome to New Staff Member We welcome Mr Sairusi Bulai who has been Prior to joining PIF&TSP, Mr Bulai was the look forward to increasing our support to seconded by the Fiji Government to the Pa- Principal Utilisation Officer with the De- Pacific island countries and territories with cific Islands Forests & Trees Support Pro- partment of Forests, Fiji. We thank the Fiji his contributions. gramme as the Regional Forestry Officer. Government for Sairusi's secondment and

Underlying Causes of Deforestation and Forest Degradation Workshop A workshop on the Underlying Causes of sented, along with the Compendium of Dis- gion, which will be consolidated into a Com- Deforestation and Forest Degradation was cussion Papers, to the Global Workshop in pendium of Discussion Papers to be transmit- organised by Pacific BioWeb Inc, from the February 1999. The secondary aim of the ted to the Global Workshop. The workshop 28 -29th September 1998, in Nadi, Fiji. The workshop was to stimulate an ongoing dia- exercises and discussions produced a series of workshop was opened by Mr Peniasi Ku- logue on this and other issues associated nine major cause areas and sub -issues. These natuba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry with the IFF within the Oceania Region. have been compiled into a draft report, which of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests, Fiji and The key focus of the workshop was to iden- has been circulated to all participants for was attended by Heads of Forestry from fif- tify issues, define objectives and actions, comment and feedback. teen Pacific island countries/territories and to determine responsibilities for carry- (PICTs), NGOs and other group representa- ing out the actions to address the underlying Pacific BioWeb would like to thank Pacific tives. causes of deforestation and forest degrada- Island Forests & Trees Support Pro- tion. gramme(PIF&TSP) for their invaluable help This was one of a series of regional work- and advice. The workshop was organised by shops to be held this year and will culminate The workshop was based on a series of Pacific BioWeb with support from PIF&TSP, in a Global Workshop to be held in Costa small group exercises. There were three the Netherlands Committee for IUCN, World Rica in February 1999. These workshops groups, arranged on a geo-political basis: Rainforest Movement and sponsored by the have been formally recognised as interses- New Zealand and ; Large Islands; governments of Australia, New Zealand, the sional processes of the UN Intergovernmental Small Islands and Atolls. These group exer- Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the Forum on Forests (IFF) which is an intergov- cises focussed on the themes of: Defining United Nations Environment Programme. ernmental body established under the aus- Issues Associated with the Underlying pices of the UN Commission for Sustainable Causes of Deforestation and Forest Degra- Pacific BioWeb is a non -government, non- Development. The outcomes of the Regional dation; Prescribing Objectives; Establishing profit association, incorporated in the Aus- Workshops and the Global Workshop will Actions; Determining Priorities for Actions; tralian Capital Territory. The overall aim of constitute a major component of the United Assigning Responsibilities for Carrying out Pacific BioWeb is to provide timely and ac- Nations Environment Programme's report to the Actions. curate information and advisory service on the DT meeting in February 1999. international discussions and negotiations as- There was an informal session on the first sociated with the environment and cultural The primary aim of the workshop was to evening to discuss a series of sub -regional protection of the South Pacific. Pacific produce an Oceania Region Strategic Issues discussion papers that were commissioned BioWeb can be contacted at GPO Box 224, Report on the Underlying Causes of Defor- for the workshop. There has been a call for Canberra ACT 2601 Australia, ph/fx 61 2 estation and Forest Degradation to be pre- additional discussion papers from the re- 6230 6828.

3 December 1998 Pacific Islands Forests & Trees Vanuatu Traditional Medicine Workshop

A Traditional Medicine Workshop was held purposes given the Fijian names. Participants were at the USP Centre, Santo, Vanuatu from 26- Their usage, preparation and encouraged to educate their children and 28 May 1998. This workshop was a follow- preservation methods friends on how to sustainably use their up to the third Regional Workshop held in Formation of their local traditional medicinal plants resources. They were also Fiji, July 1997. There were 23 participants medicine group encouraged to form a local group and have from two villages including 2 village health their own traditional medicine gardens. At workers, 3 school teachers, 4 healers and 6 The workshop was conducted in English the end of the workshop a traditional young women. with Mrs Hargrove translating into Bislama. medicine group was formed in Sanma. A The participants went into their song was also composed for the workshop, The objectives of the workshop were: surroundings and collected plants and the title of the song is "Mangroves, trees, Awareness of the use of traditional leaves that they knew had medicinal use. coral reef'. In closing the workshop, Mr medicine plants within their They recorded the uses of the plants and in George Hinge said that we have a heritage environment instances where the participants could not which we have to find ways to preserve and Identification of plants for medicinal identify the names of the plants, they were that awareness like the workshop is important. Owing to the popularity of the first workshop, a one day workshop was conducted at the Aore adventist Academy and another was conducted for the community of Malo Island.

WAINIMATE would like to thank PIF&TSP and the World Bank for their assistance with the financing of the workshop. Thanks are also due to Mr & Mrs Richard and Salome Hargrove, the Aore Adventist Academy, the University of the South Pacific's Santo Centre and Mr and Mrs George Hinge. Submitted by Siteri Tukutukuivalu Wainimate Participants share knowledge at the Epi Workshop, Vanuatu FIJI

COLP and RIH Workshops in Solomon Islands Four of the six Solomon Island candidates Unit (formerly Timber Control Unit), were open discussion encouraged a positive ap- from the 1997 COLP training workshop in particularly interested in the monitoring and proach and teamwork. It was encouraging to Vanuatu, and the 1998 Silvicultural/RIH evaluation component of the workshop. see some of the Industry representatives and workshop in PNG organised a "Solomon This included a practical exercise using the TMU officers planning a strategy for imple- Islands Workshop on the Code of Practice Code's monitoring forms, which was a new mentation of the Code and Reduced Impact for Timber Harvesting and Silvicultural Pre- experience for many of the participants. Harvesting techniques towards the end of the scriptions & Reduced Impact Harvesting". workshop. Collectively the participants felt The workshop was held from 24 August to Many of the industry representatives were that a team approach is the best way to 04 September 1998 at the National Forestry from the production and roading sections. improve our practices. Training Institute at Poitete in the Western The course gave them an excellent opportu- Province. nity to examine the contents of the Code The systematic trainer training techniques (none of them had seen the documents be- taught both in Vanuatu and Papua New There were 15 participants from landowning fore) and make some excellent comments Guinea were used to develop all the sessions. groups, industry and the Forestry Depart- on potential changes, especially in the road- Although some of the trainers were a bit ment. 21 students from the Institute also ing section. It was apparent that giving all `rusty', the results were excellent. A cur- took part in much of the workshop. Dan the stakeholder groups the opportunity to riculum has now been developed which is Raymond from Margules Poyry was a sup- come together in a forum and engaging in (Continued on page 5) porting resource person. Owing to the mixed nature of the participants, the course was run mainly as an awareness session with techni- cal information relating to detailed imple- mentation being limited to the Code of Prac- tice for Timber Harvesting.

For the landowners, key sessions at the work- shop included log measurement and owner- ship, requirements of the Standard Logging Agreement and how to reduce the impact of harvesting leaving a viable stand for the fu- ture.

The Forestry Department representatives Participants at the Workshop - most of them from the Timber Monitoring drawn from the Forestry Department, NGO's, Industry and Landowner groups

4 Pacific Islands Forests & Trees December 1998

Silvicultural Prescriptions and RIH Workshops in PNG Phase Two of the Training of Trainers writing skills and silvicultural A key feature of the workshops was the Workshop on Silvicultural Prescriptions prescriptions. The course instructors continous improvement of the "training and Reduced Impact Harvesting included staff from various branches of trainers" with each session. At the end of Guidelines was held in Papua New the PNGFA, Ross Andrewartha from each session, participants would get Guinea during October 1998. The VSFUP and Dan Raymond from together and analyse the presenatations workshop was organised by the Papua Margules Poyry, Australia. with suggestions provided for New Guinea Forest Authority and was a improvement. Feedback from the series of five workshops held at the Trainees from the 1997 and 1998 workshop has been positive and the following venues, Kimbe - West New PIF&TSP regional workshops were also PNGFA is now looking at organising Britain, Kerevat - East New Britain, Port present and made the following their own trainer training programmes in Moresby - National Capital Province, presentations, the future. Hagan - Western Highland Province and Augustine Pokera - Introduction to Submitted by Madang - Momase Province. The Silvicultural Prescriptions and Anne Nenta, participants were Project Supervisers Reduced Impact Harvesting Manager Training from the various logging operations in Francis Hura Hura - Overview of Papua New Guinea Forest Authority each region. Silvicultural Prescriptions Ross Andrewartha Francis Vilamur - Overview of Vanuatu Sustainable Forest Utilisation Using the theme of "The regional role in Reduced Impact Harvesting Project (VSFUP) achieving sustainable forest Guidelines and management", the workshops in each Kof Javetave - Grading Seedlings Dan Raymond region averaged three days with topics Rosemary Mase - Dealing with Margules Poyry from log scaling procedures to report Complaints Canberra, Australia

Vanuatu Endorses National Forest Policy

The Vanuatu Council of Ministers re- from NGOs, women's groups and Forest Policy for distribution through cently endorsed the National Forest Pol- church groups and various members of Vanuatu. icy for Vanuatu. The National Forest Parliament. Lively discussions were Policy had its genesis in a Broad Policy stimulated by the draft policy and vari- Following endorsement by the Council Statement for the Forestry Sector pre- ous amendments were made in re- of Ministers, the Acting Director of pared by senior staff of the Department sponse to peoples concerns. Forests, Feke P. Nimoho paid tribute to of Forests and the National Planning Of- the support provided by UNDP and fice in 1994. With assistance from The National Forest Policy had been PIFTSP in the drafting and public con- UNDP and the South Pacific Forestry submitted to the Council of Ministers sultation process. With the guidance Development Programme, Dr Robert early in 1998. However more pressing provided by the National Forest Policy, Thistlethwaite was engaged to prepare a issues such as the Nations Comprehen- the Department is well advanced to draft national forest policy document. sive Reform Programme were of a achieve the vision for the management of This document was reviewed by staff of higher priority. In anticipation of en- the of the nation's forest resources. The the Department of Forests and other gov- dorsement by the Government, the De- government will work cooperatively ernment departments between October partment of Forests has used the Na- with the landowners and the forest indus- 1996 and March 1997. tional Forest Policy to develop a new tries to achieve sustainable forest man- organisational structure for the depart- agement and thereby encourage revenue With funding support from PIF&TSP, a ment and as a framework for work generation for ni-Vanuatu landowners, series of public workshops were held in programmes and budgets. Adoption of economic development for the wider Provincial centres and in the capital Port the National Forest Policy has also community and conservation of Vanu- Vila, with a final national meeting held placed the Department of Forests in a atu's forest biodiversity. in Port Vila on April 15 and 16, 1997. leading position in the Comprehensive Submitted by Participants in these workshops included Reform Programme. Steps are now Department of Forests the forest industry, chiefs, landowners, being taken to publish the National Port Vila, government officials, representatives Vanuatu

(Continued from page 4) fective implementation of their Code. positive as those achieved in the Solomon hoped will form the basis of a series of The support person from Margules Islands. workshops to be held in each of the Poyry was delighted with the results of Submitted by provinces in the Solomon Islands. Plans the workshop. We look forward to Gideon Bouru, Forestry Department, are in place to hold the next workshop on working with the Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands Guadalcanal. At the completion of this Fiji and Vanuatu participants later in the and awareness and training programme, the year as they run their follow up work- Dan Raymond, Margules Poyry, Solomon Islands should be closer to ef- shops. We hope the results will be as Australia

5 December 1998 Pacific Islands Forests & Trees Vanuatu Code of Logging Practice Codes of Logging Practice have been It balances the need for protection of The Code was developed in consultation with developed in order to reduce the environmental values with safety and other relevant government departments and environmental impact of logging operations commercial considerations. Implementation with the advice of most of the major and to ensure that a viable healthy forest is of the standards will ensure that important sawmilling companies in Vanuatu. retained after logging. A regional "Code of resources and values are recognised and Substantial assistance has been and will conduct for logging of indigenous forests in protected during harvesting operations, and continue to be provided with training selected South Pacific countries" was that the benefits to logging communities, to planners and operators to enable companies developed in 1994 through an initiative of the industry and to the nation are optimized. to meet the Code. The code will be Forum Secretariat. In 1995, a draft Code of implemented in stages with full compliance Logging Practice for Vanuatu was developed, The Code of Logging practice defines and expected by the year 2000 to give time to the using the regional code and several sets standards that: industry to adapt and train workers. Australian codes as models. This has now Protect the environment and promote been updated and revised to include recent forest development consistent with the The Code of Logging Practice will be legally improvements in logging practices and has principles of sustainable development. binding on all parties operating under Timber been published in English French and Recognise and respect the rights of Licences in Vanuatu. Mobile Sawmill Bislama for use by all people involved in the resource owners and custom land License holders will also be subject to timber industry. Other developments by the ownership. provision of the Code unless specifically Department of Forests which are Protect sites of cultural, historical, exempted by the Director of Forests. complementary to the introduction of better archeological, geomorphic, biological logging practices are the "Vanuatu Reduced or spiritual significance. Submitted by Impact Logging Guidelines" and the draft Promote conservation measures for The Department of Forestry "Silvicultural Prescriptions for Vanuatu". flora and fauna. Vanuatu Vanuatu needs a Code of Logging Practice to Maintain forest regenerative capacity ensure that the forests are managed in a and species sustainable manner for the benefit of current diversity. and future generations. This is consistent Promote the with the National Forest Policy which states growth of that "The Government of Vanuatu will work merchantab cooperatively with the landowners and forest le timber. industries to achieve sustainable forest Ensure the management and thereby encourage revenue health and generation for ni-Vanuatu landowners safety of economic development for the wider forest community and conservation of Vanuatu workers. forest biodiversity." Maximise t h e At the launch of the COLP (L -R) : Feke Nimoho (Interim Director, Forests), Abel The Code of Logging Practice sets minimum economic Nako (Director General, MAIFF), David Wood (Project Manager, VSFUP), Hon standards and practical procedures, which returns Sela Molisa (Minister for Finance and Economic Development), Ross Andrewartha will allow selected forest areas of Vanuatu to from the (Training Adviser, VSUP), Hon Donald Kalpokas Masikevanua (Prime Minister) be harvested with minimum adverse impact. forest. and Hon John Morsen (Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Fisheries). Foundation for People and Community Development -PNG

Mission which one of the most prominent is the locally as an international NGO and we were The mission of the Foundation for People and Village Development Trust. not generally accepted as a local NGO. The Community Development (FPCD) is "To change of name is necessary to erase all manage community development projects In 1991/2, the Foundation severed ties with doubts of who we are and to show that we are which will benefit and improve the quality of FSP/USA and started running its own pro- a fully-fledged local NGO, run by a national peoples' life in Papua New Guinea". It aims grams. A local board of directors was ap- board of directors and governed by the laws to achieve these by promoting in particular; pointed and by February 1993, the papers of PNG. The name FPCD actually reflects Integral Human Development, Equal Partici- came through establishing FSP/PNG as a the kind of activities we are involved in. pation and Self Reliance, and Economically local NGO in PNG. Its incorporation was Sustainable Resource Development, through the beginning of a new chapter where it has Programs its activities. to operate independantly to meet its aims FPCD currently has five community -targeted and objectives through its activities. Al- programs that encourage community partici- Background though FPCD is operating independently, pation in order to enhance people's quality of The Foundation for People and Community we still maintain contact with other FSP life. It embarks on different projects through Development (FPCD) is a non-profit making affiliates. these programs that involve awareness on Non -Government Organization (NGO) based Health, Literacy, Sustainable Forest Manage- in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Origi- After its incorporation in 1993, the Founda- ment, Sustainable Agriculture and Project Es- nally known as the Foundation of the Peoples tion was still using the name of FSP/PNG tablishment and Management. Its five pro- of the South Pacific, Papua New Guinea until December 1917, when it officially grams are Awareness Community Theatre (FSP/PNG), FPCD has developed into one of changed its name to Foundation for People (ACT), Ecoforestry, Grass Roots Opportunity the established local NGO's in PNG. FSP/ and Community Development Inc. (FPCD). for Work (GROW), Integrated Conservation PNG first started work in PNG in 1965 in The change was necessary as many organi- and Development (ICAD), and Literacy Edu- community development work. FSP was also zations still think we are funded by FS- cation and Awareness Development (LEAD). instrumental in helping set up other NGOs of PUSA. Moreover, we were still perceived (Continued on page 7)

6 Pacific Islands Forests and Trees December 1998

New Forests Project - World Seed Programme The New Forests Project (NFP) is a non- animal forage, organic fertiliser and cephala (ipil-ipil), Prosopis julif lora profit, people -to -people, direct -action pro- building materials sustainably while re- (mesquite), Gliricidia sepium (madre de gramme established in 1982 by The Inter- generating degraded soils. In addition to cacao), Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea), Aca- national Centre in an effort to curb defor- being excellent species for soil rehabili- cia auriculiformis, Acacia mearnsii (black estation in developing countries. Since its tation and erosion control, these legumi- wattle), Acacia tortillas (umbrella thorn), inception, the New Forests Project has nous trees have a proven ability to in- Albizia lebbeck (East Indian Walnut), worked to educate communities threat- crease agricultural yields. In recent Dalbergia sissoo (yette), Robinia pseudo- ened by deforestation about the impor- years, NFP has been working with local, cacia (black locust) and Gleditsia triacan- tance of forests and natural resource pro- non -governmental organisations in de- thos (honey locust). For more information tection. Over the last 15 years, NFP has veloping countries to initiate reforesta- or to receive a reforestation packet, write helped farmers begin tree -planting pro- tion projects and training programmes to: jects in more than 4,300 villages in over that promote agroforestry, sustainable re- 120 developing countries. Utilising a source management and environmental Felicia Ruiz, Coordinator, World Seed number of strategies, NFP seeks to pro- conservation. In 1990, NFP and Programme, The New Forests Project, vide self-help tools for individuals or ANACAMPRO (National Association of 731 Eighth Street, SE, Washington DC communities to produce forest products Peasant Farmers for Land) established a 20003, USA. necessary for their survival. Regional Agroforestry Training Centre Phone (202) 547 3800, Fax (202) 546- in Nueva Concepcion, Guatamala. The 4784, Email: [email protected]. Through the World Seed Programme, Centre was completed in 1992 and now Please provide an environmental de- NFP promotes the planting of fast- brings hands-on training in agroforestry scription of your area, including eleva- growing, nitrogen -fixing tree species like and appropriate technology to local tion, average annual rainfall, length of Leucaena, Gliricidia and Cajanus. In con- farmers, community promoters and ex- rainy and dry seasons, high and low junction with tree seeds, NFP distributes tension agents. temperatures, soil characteristics and technical assistance, training aids and edu- how you intend to use the trees cational materials. With proper manage- Available for immediate distribution are (fuelwood, lumber, forage, soil conser- ment, these trees can produce fuelwood, high quality seeds of Leucaena leuco- vation, soil enhancement etc.)

(Continued from page 6) Current Donors rently has 26 staff members of which some are These programs have networks established based. The members of the staff are different parts of PNG. FPCD provides tech- overseas and local donors. Its current major professionals in their own fields and have been nical advice to the locals with constant follow- donors are: Australian Agency for Interna- instrumental in developing their respective up and on site assistance. Most projects under tional Development (AusAID), Department programmes. Establishing a good relationship its various programs are on long term basis for International Development (DFID), PNG with the target communities and the public has World Bank Targeted Community Develop- been one of the areas FPCD has been trying to We are also coordinating work on forest certi- ment Program (TCDP), Evangelische Zen- maintain, and the members of its staff have fication in the country through the develop- tralstelle fur Entwicklungshilfe e. V. (EZE), played their part well in achieving this. ment of national standards for forest certifica- and United States Agency for International tion under the Forest Stewardship Council Development (USAID). Collaborators system. The Foundation recently embarked on FPCD has been collaborating with other a disaster relief program as a joint effort be- Staff NGOs, the government and various commu- tween the Australia Foundation for Asia and FPCD has grown in its organizational capac- nity groups in PNG who have similar interests. Pacific and the UK FSP office. We are flexible ity over the years. This has seen an increase in Some of these collaborators include the De- in our programs and want to be open to attend its staff capacity from time to time. And in partments of Health, Education, Youth and to any needs that may crop up. doing so, it is establishing a solid foundation Home Affairs, and various Provincial Govern- upon which the staff could work as a team in ments. Its NGO and other community group the development process in PNG. FPCD cur - ipnecal ticde e VillageatinD eiviveelloapnemseia,nt r,- (VET), F;d East Sepik Timber Producers Association (ESTPA), Milne Bay Ecoforestry Association (MBEA), and Madang Forest Resource Own- ers Association (MFROA). Working in close association with these organizations has helped a lot in carrying out its activities as planned and as well as jointly participating in the deliv- ery of basic services to the people. For further information please contact: The Executive Director Foundation for People and Community De- velopment PO Box 1119, Boroko, NCD Papua New Guinea Telephone: 675 325 8470 Facsimile: 675 325 2670 Email:[email protected] Sawmill operators at a training session organised by FPCD

7 Pacific Islands Forests & Trees December 1998

'4\ South Pacific Regional Initiative on AusAID Forest Genetic Resousce§ (SPRIG) SPRIG UPDATE PROJECT DIRECTOR'S VISIT Vitex cofassus * - Fata (Kwara'ae) The visit to Samoa was co-ordinated by TO SOLOMONS ISLANDS Malaki Iakopo. The visitors were impressed Solomon Islands joined the SPRIG project as High priority (3 provenances for seed col- by the activities of the Forestry Division, and a major partner from the middle of 1998. In lection) have expressed a keen desire for greater col- order to facilitate an early start to in -country Burkella obovata * - Kona (Kwara'ae), Red laboration is SPRIG -related activities. Subse- activities the SPRIG Project Director Doug silkwood quent to this visit, the SPRIG Project has Boland visited the Solomon Islands from 15- Calophyllum peekelii - Ba' u la supplied research seed quantities of three 28 June 1998. (Kwara'ae), Island cedar provenances of mahogany for testing in Diospyros hebicarpa * - Ebony American Samoa. Doug met with many people including rele- Flueggeaflexuosa * - Mamafua (Kwara'ae) vant staff of Government departments, in Intsia bijuga * - U'ula (Kwara'ae) RAPID RURAL APPRAISALS (RRAs) particular the Ministry of Forestry, Environ- Octomeles sumatrana * - Fote, rara The field component of the RRAs/ commu- ment and Conservation, NGOs (including Palaquium spp. - Mal io I o, Faibaru nity forest genetic resources surveys com- SIDT and SOLTRUST), AusAID and (Kwara'ae) menced in Tonga in July. This work is being Kolombangara Forest Products Limited. The Paraserianthes falcataria * - Fai, Mamufai undertaken by staff of the Forestry Division first Solomon Islands Project Coordinating (Kwara'ae) of MAF, including Tevita Faka'osi, Losaline Committee meeting was held in Honiara, and Pometia pinnata * - Ako (Kwara'ae), Pa- Ma'asi and field staff on Tongatapu, 'Eua, attended by Mr Gideon Bouro (Chief cific lychee Ha'apai and Vava'u, in collaboration with Forestry Officer Planning, Forestry Division), Terminalia brassii - Dafo (Kwara'ae), Caroline Fusimaholi (local consultant) and Mr Moses Biliki (Director, Environment and Brown terminalia Doug Boland. Communities surveyed to date Conservation), Mr Semion Iputu (SPRIG Terminalia calamansanai - Kako, Kwako include Tongatapu (8), 'Eua (5), Vava'u (4). Project Leader, Forestry Division) and Mr (Kwara'ae), Yellow terminalia The surveys on Ha'apai are to be completed Frank Willemsen (Australian High Commis- Terminalia kaernbachii * - Alita fasia in November, and a draft final report is sion). During the meeting the Project Director (Kwara'ae), Okari nut expected to be available by the end of the provided an overview of proposed activities year. which were later discussed. The location for Moderately high priority (one provenance the field trials in the Solomon Islands will be for seed collection) In Fiji additional communities were surveyed on Kolombangara. The SPRIG country pro- near Koroyanitu, an area of high forest con- ject scientist is Mr Basil Gua, based at the Agathis macrophylla - Marabeti, Dure, servation values, on Viti Levu. So far in Fiji Forest Research Station, Munda in Western Santa Cruz Kauri seven communities have been comprehen- Province. Mr Myknee Sirikola, curator of the Camnosperma brevipetiolata - Ketekete sively surveyed by Professor Randy Thaman Herbarium and local tree expert, will be an (Kwara'ae) and co-workers. In December Susana Tuisesi important collaborator in the Solomon Is- Dillenia salomonensis - Mudi (Kwara'ae) (Fiji Forestry Department) will be surveying lands. Gonostylis macrophyllus - Ainunura communities in other parts of Fiji, especially (Kwara'ae), Ramin on Vanua Levu. Species selected for seed collection and RRA Mangifera mucronulata * surveys (*) are as follows: Planchonella spp. - Riru, Tata, Si (local In the Solomon Islands, preparatory work on names), Boxwood the RRA component has been undertaken by Top priority (10 provenances for seed collec- Xanthostemon sp. * Doug Boland, including identification and tion) discussions with the local consultant (Sir Endospermum medullosum A'asa OTHER SPRIG -RELATED VISITS George Lepping). (Kwara'ae), Whitewood During the past six months, Stephen Walker Gmelina moluccana *- Arakoko (Kwara'ae), and Russell Haines undertook visits to Van- SPRIG FOREST GENETIC White beech uatu and Fiji to work with collaborators on RESOURCES DATA BASE Pterocarpus indicus * - Liki (Kwara'ae), the vegetative research program. Lex Thom- Detailed information on a number of priority New Guinea Rosewood son undertook visits to Fiji, Vanuatu and tree species for the South Pacific has been Tonga. In Fiji and Vanuatu, SPRIG counter- prepared by Lex Thomson and Annie Uwa- parts in the Forestry Department were given mariya. Species for which detailed informa- introductory training in the use of two new tion is now available include: computer packages from CSIRO Forestry Agathis macrophylla and Forest Products, Cycdesign and Data - Acacia spirobis Plus, for experimental design and analysis, A 1phitonia zizyphoides respectively. In Tonga, planning was under- Artocarpus altilis taken for field trials on 'Eua and Ha'apai Bischofia javanica group, and seed collections throughout the Calophyllum peekelii (formerly known as C. Group. kajewski) Campnosperma brevipetiolata A group of foresters from American Samoa Canarium indicum (including the Territorial Forester, Chris Cordia subcordata Jones,. and. Doland Nichols) visited Samoa Endospermum medullosum during July 6-10. The purpose of the trip Flueggea flexuosa (formerly known as Se- Propagation of white wood was to build closer relations between curinega flexuosa)

CSIRO) undertook seed collections of red of the field trials at Falelima in Samoa. Large cedar (Toona ciliata) in far north Queens- differences in early height growth are being land. The collections were highly successful found between different families and prove- with seed being collected from 44 trees from nances of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) 6 locations ranging from the Daintree River in the trials established in Vanuatu. It is ex- to the Pascoe River ( latitude 16 °30' S to 12 pected that considerably more productive fam- '30' S). Field observations suggest that ilies/provenances will be identified through Toona from the north Mossman region is a these trials, and with it major economic bene- somewhat different type to that occurring in fits for those South Pacific countries growing the Atherton/Cairns region and to the south. mahogany on a large-scale. Observed differences were the markedly ear- lier flowering times of the northern popula- Seedlings for this wet season's field trials are tions, coupled with larger compound leaves presently being propagated in Vanuatu, and leaflets. Additional seed collections are Tonga, Fiji and Samoa. The focus of the first planned for December/January 1998/99 from year's field trials in Solomon Islands will be other localities in Queensland, including the on the high value indigenous timber tree, rose- Atherton Tableland and on the Eungella wood (Pterocarpus indicus). Seed collections Plateau, west of Mackay. for these trials will be made early next year in the Solomons Islands and Vanuatu. Seed collection of kauvula A germination pretreatment trial for malili (Endospermum macrophylla). Training exercise (Terminalia richii) in Samoa has shown that TRAINING with Fiji Forestry Department, September 1998. manual nicking hastens germination, but Ms Susana Tuisese, Senior Forestry Officer - nicking did not appear to increase germina- Environment in the Fiji Forestry Department, (Continued from page 8) tion overall. Germination percentage was has been selected for the 2" SPRIG -sponsored Intsia bijuga found to be about 30% after 7 weeks after MSc fellowship at the University of the South Octomeles sumatrana sowing. Terminalia richii will be the focus of Pacific and commenced studies in July. Ms Santalum austrocaledonicum intensive seed collections in Samoa early Olivia Peseta, Samoa Forestry Division, has Santalum yasi next year. Faafetai Sagapolutele has been been selected for further study at USP in 1999. Swietenia macrophylla undertaking reconnaissance missions on Up- Terminalia brassii olu and Savaii to identify additional popula- SPRIG PAMPHLET Terminalia catappa tions of the species, and observe its flower- AND PUBLICATIONS LIST Terminalia richii ing/fruiting phenology. A pamphlet briefly describing the project and Terminalia superba giving contact details for collaborators has been recently been printed and is available. A SEED MATTERS In recent months SPRIG has obtained seed list of project reports and publications is also In late September, seed collection techniques of the following species for use in field trials: available from the Project Director. developed for whitewood (Endospermum Santalum macgregorii (PNG), Santalum al- medullosum) in Vanuatu earlier in the year bum (Kununurra), Santalum austrocale- SPRIG News is compiled by Lex Thomson were successfully trialed and applied to the donicum () and Swietenia (SPRIG Team Leader) and SPRIG Country related kauvula (Endospermum macrophylla) macrophylla (Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Project Scientists - Viliami Manu (Tonga), in Fiji. Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru). Godfrey Daruhi (Vanuatu), Olivia Peseta (Samoa), Kuldeep Singh (Fiji) and Basil Gua During October, John Larmour and Adrain FIELD TRIALS (Solomon Islands). Schofield (Australian Tree Seed Centre, Following rains in June, planting continued Training Course on Vegetative Propagation of Tropical Forest Tree Species

The Queensland Forestry Research Institute attended the training course - Tevita Bevu and Atherton. The third week was spent back (QFRI) conducted the 2nd SPRIG Training (Fiji), Ponijese Bulai (Fiji), Maloni Havea in Gympie studying the concepts and applica- Course on Vegetative Propagation of Tropical (Tonga), Tito Alatimu (Samoa), Basil Gua tions of clonal forestry and developing the Forest Tree Species, in Australia and Fiji, and Mesek Sethy (Solomon Islands). skills and visual training aids required to pre- during November 1998. sent basic half-day propagation training Participants spent the first week in Gympie, courses in their home countries. The 1" training course on Vegetative Propaga- Queensland studying the basic principals of tion of Tropical Forest Tree Species was held vegetative propagation relating to tropical The 4' week of the training course was spent in Queensland over four weeks during forest tree species. They also established in Fiji gaining practical experience in the ex- November 1997 (see PIF&TSP Newletter shoot production hedges, constructed a mist perimental setting of mahogany and santalum 1998/2 for further details). propagator and set cuttings of a range of species, and in the conduct of practical train- SPRIG related species in the newly con- ing courses. Further information on this train- The objective of this second course was to structed propagator using two different pot- ing course will be presented in the next issue provide training to additional personnel in the ting mixes. of PIF&T. South Pacific region in the rationale, tech- niques, and strategies for effective use of veg- The second week was spent on a field trip to For further information please contact: etative propagation with forest tree species. tropical northern Queensland to inspect vege- Mr Stephen Walker, Senior Propagation tative propagation and clonal forestry activi- Scientist,QFRI,MS 483, Fraser Road, A total of 6 SPRIG sponsored participants ties being conducted at Ingham, Cardwell Gympie, QId 4570, Australia

9 December 1998 Pacific islands Forests & Trees

SPRIG/AusAID Breaking New Ground in Tonga

The South Pacific Regional Initiative on to other uses and in some cases over - this year. Rapid height growth has been Forest Genetic Resources (SPRIG)is a exploitation. The maintenance of im- observed in the more fertile parts of the three-year project which aims to help portant local trees is vital for sustain- trial area (see photo). It is planned to Pacific Island countries to conserve, able development and alleviating establish an additional 7-8 hectares of manage and utilise their forest and tree poverty and maintaining living stan- field trials of red cedar and ahi on Tua genetic resources. SPRIG is funded by dards in rural areas, and are an integral early next year. Seedlings for these trials the Australian Agency for International part of Tongan culture. Some local are presently being propagated in the Development (AusAID) and Govern- trees such as nonu (medicinal fruits) `Eua nursery. ments of the region. In Tonga the project and ahi (fragrant heartwood) have ma- is collaborating with the Forestry and jor export potential. Ahi from Tonga In Ha'apai it is planned to establish a Conservation Division of the Ministry of produces one of the world's most val- field trial next year (1999) on Foa Island. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries ued and highly sought-after sandal- This trial will be used for demonstrating (MAFF). wood timbers. Now rare species such as and evaluating sources of toa (Casuarina leki leki (Xylocarpus granatum) and equisetifolia) and ahi, as well as demon- Forest genetic resources are the genetic milo are required by domestic carvers, strating the use of green firebreaks and diversity present in tree species of socio- while other fast-disappearing species interplanting of local trees, such as moli economic importance, and include more such as koka and toi (Alphitonia (Citrus species) and heilala, to provide than 350 tree species in the South Pa- zizyphoides) provide vital ingredients earlier cash returns. cific. Trees are needed for timber and for traditional herbal medicines. fuelwood production, food, traditional In Tonga the project has a major empha- medicines and perfumes, soil improve- The Forestry and Conservation Divi- sis on institutional strengthening. Train- ment and erosion control. sion, with training and support from ing is being provided in various fields to SPRIG/AusAID, is working with local local Forestry Division counterparts to Some of Tonga's more important tree communities to conserve, manage and help them better conserve, grow and genetic resources include ahi (Santalum expand remaining populations of these manage Tonga's trees. SPRIG is also yasi), heilala (Garcinia sessilis), fehi vital trees. helping to ensure that the best seed of (Intsia bijuga), langa kali (Aglaia salta- key exotic species, such as red cedar and torum), koka (Bischofia javanica), milo In early October the Project team kauri (Agathis robusta), is available for (Thespesia populnea), nonu (Morinda leader, Dr Lex Thomson, made a short future plantation development on 'Eua. citrifolia), pua taukanave (Cordia subco- visit to Tonga to inspect and plan future data), koli (Syzigium neurocalyx), tava field trials on Tua and Ha'apai. Sur- Submitted by (Pometia pinnata), fekika kai (Syzigium vival has been good in the five hectares Tevita Fakaosi malaccense) and ifi (Inocarpus fagifer). of field trials of red cedar (Toona cili- SPRIG Country Program Manager In recent times many of these species ata, and locally known as sita kula) Tonga have declined due to conversion of land and ahi established on Tua in March

(Continued from page 11) contained iron also contained nutrients ational practice. However, an alternative Eucalyptus deglupta not present in the slow release fertiliser (8 wks in nursery) approach was clearly needed. A subse- 20 which lacked iron. quent experiment examined a range of options for adding iron, such as, iron 15 These results show that, although coir is chelate added to the coir, iron as part of co an excellent medium for cuttings and the slow release fertiliser (along with 10 seedling production, it needs to be sup- other micronutrients), and the original \ \13 \ \ plemented with a complete nutrient mix 5 \ \cn In - \ \E\ \ for healthy nursery production espe- method of watering with iron chelate. \\ s \ \_ \ \a> \ \ \ \ all treatments, a slow release fertiliser \u_ \u_ \ u_ \ cially for stock raised from seed. 0 \Z\ was used to supply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Fig 3. Effect of var.ous ways of adding iron Current studies are examining the effects to nursery media coir. Left to right: nil; iron of the nursery applied nutrient treat- chelate watered in; iron chelate added to The results were quite clear-cut. Omit- ments on the subsequent growth of E. coir; iron in the slow release fertiliser. ting iron produced chlorotic plants, deglupta in the field. iron the whereas adding corrected It is interesting to note that plants be- chlorosis to varying degrees - the most came green but did not grow any taller Submitted by successful being the one in which the in treatments where the iron was not Mike Webb, iron was part of the slow release fer- part of the slow release fertiliser. This CSIRO, tiliser. Adding iron as part of the slow indicates that some other essential nu- Queensland, Australia, fertiliser also increased plant release trient is also lacking; which is highly Richard Pauku (Fig. 3). height substantially likely as the slow release fertiliser that Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd, Solomon Islands

10 Pacific Islands Forests & Trees December 1998

ACIAR SACIAR Pacific Forestry Update Identifying Nutritional Constraints to Tree Growth

A major objective of ACIAR's Forestry pro- deficient mahogany has pale green leaves (Fig (3) A Simple Test for Plant Nitrogen gram in the Pacific has been to improve estab- 1B), and a mildly iron deficient plant has a Status lishment and early plantation growth through distinct pattern of chlorotic (yellow) leaves Although the foliar chemical analysis described better nutrition in the nursery and field. One with prominent green veins (Fig 1C). above has been very successful for a number of key element underpinning this has been re- tree species, these analyses are usually done in search to develop reliable techniques for identi- We have described and photographed the fo- a specialist laboratory and the results may not fying nutrition disorders in a number of the liar symptoms of particular nutrient disorder's be available for some months. As an alterna- important plantation species that are grown in in a range of species including mahogany tive, we have been developing approaches that the region. Three lines of research are actively (Swietenia), teak (Tectona), white teak can be used in the nursery and field to give a being pursued in this area, and progress to date (Gmelina), Queensland maple (Flindersia), much more rapid indication of plant nutrient with these is summarized below. black bean (Castanospermum) and kauri status (and consequently the possible require- (Agathis). We are currently developing sim- ment for remedial fertilization). (1) Recognizing Foliar Symptoms of ple descriptive keys to aid in recognition of Nutrient Deficiency these disorders and will publish this informa- One example of this has been recent studies The ability to recognize symptoms in foliage tion in a series of colour booklets on the investigating the use of commercially available that reflect the deficiency of specific nutrients visual symptoms of nutrient disorders. The "test strips" for measuring plant nitrogen sta- is a powerful tool for the preliminary identifi- first of these booklets, for mahogany, should tus. These test strips were originally developed cation of nutritional problems, both in the nurs- be available in the first half of 1999. for estimating nitrate concentrations in water, ery and the field. Different nutrient disorders and they are highly portable and relatively have different effects on the appearance of (2) Chemical Analysis of Foliage inexpensive. We have demonstrated that they leaves, with these 'symptoms' dependent on A second approach to diagnosing nutrient can be used to detect free nitrate in the sap of a the metabolic functions and the relative ease disorders is to directly measure the concentra- number of cabinet timber species. with which the particular nutrient can be tion of particular nutrients in plant tissue - moved around internally by the plant. most often the leaves. Such chemical analysis The presence of free nitrate in the sap indicates can be used with high confidence to identify an excess of nitrogen above the tree's immedi- deficiencies of many nutrients. ate requirements and indicates that the tree IS NOT nitrogen deficient. In nursery situations, However, the type of tissue sampled and its we have tested this technique and found it to be age together with an understanding of the a very useful tool for eliminating nitrogen defi- `critical' internal concentration of the particu- ciency as the possible cause of particular visual lar nutrient are essential for interpretation of and growth disorders that were observed. these analyses. Unfortunately, these factors Work to further develop and validate this vary between species and need to be deter- method is currently underway and will be sum- mined for each. We are currently (a) develop- marized in future issues of "Pacific Islands Fig I. Leaves of Swietenia macrophylla. A. ing guidelines for tissue sampling and (b) Forests and Trees". Healthy. B. Nitrogen deficient. C. iron defi- determining the critical internal nutrient con- cient. centrations for a range of nutrients in ma- Submitted by hogany, teak, white teak and Queensland Mike Webb and Paul Reddell For example, a healthy mahogany plant has maple. CSIRO healthy green leaves (Fig IA), while a nitrogen Australia

Overcoming Iron Deficiency Problems in Eucalyptus deglupta Nursery Stock

The use of organic potting media is highly peared to be caused by nitrogen defi- out nitrogen deficiency as a cause of the successful for nursery production of white ciency. However, testing for nitrate with poor growth. teak (Gmelina arborea) from cuttings. By combining appropriate slow release fer- From previous work we knew that iron tilisers with coir (composted coconut deficiency can be a problem in coir-based husk), G. arborea cuttings produce a good media. So to test this we watered some root mass and are ready for planting in 5 to seedlings with an iron chelate solution. 6 weeks under operational nursery condi- Within one week, seedlings watered with tions at Kolombangara Forest Products iron began to "green up". By contrast, the Ltd (KFPL) in the Solomon Islands. controls, with no iron chelate, remained yellow. This indicated that iron deficiency However, planting stock raised from seeds was the primary cause of the chlorosis. often showed poor vigour and nutrient Fig I :Eucalyptus delgupta grown in stan- deficiency symptoms when grown using dard coir nursery mix Immediately, this technique of watering this technique. This was quite obvious in the strips described in the article above plants with an iron chelate solution once Eucalyptus deglupta grown in KFPL's quickly showed that these plants con- chlorosis developed, was adopted as oper- nursery (Fig 1). These symptoms ap- tained plenty of nitrate - promptly ruling (Continued on page 10)

11 December 1998 -Pacific Islands Forests & Trees

(Continuedfrom page 2) Biological Diversity and national action compensation as RIL and other management of introductions of new plans to implement this Convention, and improved practices become standard species and genotypes. the Sub -Regional Action Plan for the practice. Management decisions affecting forest Conservation of Forest Genetic The PIF&TSP should seek donor funding and tree resources should consider their Resources to be formulated in the near for at least six foresters and planners from effect on genetic resources and diversity future. PICs to visit Costa Rica to learn about of species' genetic bases. their experience with the use of economic Where possible, priority should be given Sub -theme 7: Climate change and carbon - instruments to provide incentives to to in situ methods of genetic conservation offset incentives resource owners for forest conservation of native species, over ex situ methods. Research on the linkages between and reforestation, bioprospecting, and Caution should be used in the exchange clititate change, short- and long-term other initiatives. and dispersal of species and varieties that climate variability, and impacts should HoFs should actively participate in may hybridize with or displace local be carried out in order to provide national task forces that have been species and varieties, resulting in practical recommendations for the convened by SPREP to provide AOSIS/ homogenization or loss of diversity of peoples of Pacific islands. national government UNFCCC local gene pools. PICTs need to identify andand develop negotiators with input on CDM and the Non-native species that may become strategies to monitor and where possible forestry issue. invasive weed problems should not be mitigate the impacts of short- and long- The PIF&TSP should continue with its introduced. term climate variability. efforts to develop carbon -offset and Identified weed problems should be Integrated Coastal Management at a related initiatives for Pacific Island addressed with financial and technical national and community level should be countries. assistance in a timely manner when and if pursued; it is an adaptation strategy that Sub -theme 8: Forest certification eradication is still feasible. would be beneficial even without climate The economics of certification should be The efforts of SPREP, USDA Invasive change. further studied. Species Taskforce in the Pacific, and the The PICCAP training package should be The alternative certification systems (e.g. IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group extended to cover biodiversity and other by the Forest Stewardship Council 'ESC], (ISSG) are endorsed and supported; co- environmental matters, in additional International Standards Organisation ordination and cooperation between geographical areas. The training [ISO] International Tropical Timber different initiatives should be continued programme should be integrated into Organisation [ITTO]) should be assessed, and enhanced, and a Pacific -wide data USP or appropriate Island Institutions. and the most appropriate approach base of information on invasive species Workshops (national and regional) pursued by the Pacific region. should be compiled as soon as is should be held to increase awareness Regional capacity for certification should practical. and understanding of climate change, be developed, to reduce costs to SPREP, USDA, and IUCN (ISSG) should AU and CDM, and their implications the certifiable Pacific islands operations. jointly conduct training for Pacific Island Pacific Islands forests and trees sector. Sustainable forest management should be foresters, quarantine officers, and other An important goal under the FCCC approached in a holistic form at the individuals and organizations, in the should be the full accounting of carbon national level (encompassing policy, recognition, exclusion, eradication, and in the land use change, forestry and large-scale resource management and control of invasive species. conservation sector. conservation, and a continuous Forestry agencies, in collaboration with Additional research and policy studies improvement process). Certification of national environmental agencies, should should be conducted on the effects of small forest areas using international plan and implement activities related to Reduced -Impact Logging on the carbon standards and certifiers is secondary to the conservation of forest genetic cycle; eligibility of RIL for carbon -offset holistic national efforts. resources, both under the Convention on programs; and adjustment of Workshop on Conservation, Management and Sustainable Utilisation of Forest Genetic Resources

This workshop is being jointly organised by will also provide the basis for the develop- Tang Hon Tat , PIFTSP the FAO Forestry Department, SPRIG, SPREP ment of a Pacific Sub -regional Action Plan for Fax 679 305 212; and PIF&TSP and others, with local support Conservation and Management of Forest and Email: [email protected] from the Samoan Forestry Division. Tree Genetic Resources, the major workshop Pierre Sigaud objective. Participants to the workshop will Forestry Resources Division In the leadup to the workshop each Pacific include nominated representatives from each FAO Rome country or territory is being requested to Pacific country or territory as well as repre- Fax: 39 06 52255137; prepare a detailed report on its forest and tree sentatives from other regional and interna- Email: [email protected] genetic resources and related relevant areas. tional organizations and programmes. Lex Thomson Collectively these country reports will provide SPRIG Project/CSIRO FFP a comprehensive account of the Pacific re- More information on the workshop may be (Fax: 61 2 62818266; gion's forest and tree genetic resources. They obtained from , Email: [email protected])

Pacific Islands FORESTS AND TREES The views expressed in the articles in this newsletter are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Programme, SPC, UNDP, AusAID, or FAO. This newsletter is published quarterly by the Pacific Islands Forests and Trees Support Programme, RAS/97/330. We welcome any news or articles on forests, trees and related activities. Please send your contributions to the Programme Coordinator, PIF&TSP, UNDP, Private Mail Bag, Suva, FIJI, or fax to (679) 305 212(direct) or 301 718(UNDP). Our office is located at Forum Secretariat Complex, Ratu Sukuna Road, Suva, FIJI. Phone no. 300 432 or 305 244, e-mail:[email protected]