Review of National Biodiversity Strategy and action plans for Samoa and Federated States of Micronesia with reference to treatment of forest biodiversity, especially forest genetic resources

Abstract

The maintenance and enhancement of arboreal biodiversity, especially forest and tree genetic resources, is vital for sustainable development in the Pacific Islands. For Pacific peoples, their forest and tree genetic resources are not just a matter of scientific, economic (in monetary terms), recreational or ecological value. They are a capital inheritance that, until recent times, was passed on, relatively intact or in some cases enhanced, by past generations to current generations. Agrobiodiversity and arboreal biodiversity, including forest genetic resources, constitute the capital needed for development and maintenance of rural communities and upon which almost all income (both cash and non-cash) is derived (Professor Randy Thaman SPRIG Phase 1).