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The conservation values and biodiversity of Pohnpei's forests are perhaps as important as their hydrological buffering function. A combination of strong traditional respect for the upland forest, heavy human depopulation during the last century, and relatively difficult access to inland areas have spared the upland forests of Pohnpci Island from much of the disturbance and destruction that has occurred in the island's lowlands and on other Micronesian islands. These factors, along with the relative age and isolation of the island make the flora of Pohnpei's upland forests some of the most diverse in Micronesia, with a high level of endemicity.

The openlng statenents of bhe Honorable Mr Tol Agrlculture, Forests and Flsherles, tJestern SanoAau; kMusr o, lllnister for -Tanaril plerre, Director of PrograEEes' South Paclflc Cmnlsslon; and Mr Harold Etdsvfk, Chalroanr IUCN Connlsslon on Natlonal. Parks and protected Areas are reproduced ln full belon.