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There is a perception within forestry circles that the Rio Summit spawned two parallel concepts for forest conservation and management. One has been that of Sustainable Forest Management, developing from classical forestry and pursued through the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) and organizations such as FAO and ITTO. The other has been that of the Ecosystem Approach, developed primarily within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). International fora on forests have discussed the two concepts and governments have committed to implementing them. Yet there is still a good deal of confusion about how the concepts relate to each other. This is more than just an esoteric problem of definitions. There is a risk that national agencies charged with implementing international commitments will get lost in pointless polemics.

The consultants would like to thank the many people who provided information for this report, responded to the energy surveys and assisted in carrying out the energy surveys. These include the Director and staff of the Energy Division who assisted in the many aspects of the field visits and data collection as well as advising on cultural and traditional protocols, the respective Island Councils, Mayors, Island Secretaries, Administrations and Aronga Mana for their kind assistance and hospitality. Our thanks also go to the Government Ministries and Departments which provided assistance and in particular to the people of Atiu, Mauke and Mitiaro for their warmness and generosity whilst visiting their communities.

This report has investigated the current power system on Mauke and the local renewable energy (RE) options available to supplement in the short to medium term and replace in the long term the current diesel generation. In the short term refurbishment of the present diesel based system is required to ensure provision of reliable supply and minimise environmental degradation through fuel handling practises. Staff training and service equipment should be provided. Initiation of a wind monitoring programme will substantiate the available wind resource whilst investigations into the biomass will evaluate medium to long term potential.

This report has investigated the current power system on Atiu and the local renewable energy (RE) options available to supplement in the short to medium term and replace in the long term the current diesel generation. In the short term refurbishment of the present diesel based system is required to ensure provision of reliable supply and minimise environmental degradation through fuel handling practises. Staff training and service equipment should be provided. Initiation of a wind monitoring programme will substantiate the available wind resource whilst investigations into the biomass will evaluate medium to long term potential.