Forestry development in Western Samoa.

Authors: I. Reti
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1983, Issue N.Z.J.For. 28(3) 1983, pp 423-431, Nov 1983
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Forests have two primary roles in the economy of Western Samoa: as a source of raw material for various domestic timber-based industries (mainly sawnwood and furniture) and for export; and as a stabiliser of vital watersheds — preventing soil erosion and increasing water yields for hydropower generation and sustained agricultural production at lower elevations.

Indiscriminate clearing and burning of forests on higher elevations have adversely affected the domestic timber supply as well as hydropower generation. These problems are very difficult to control, largely because of the nature of the local land tenure system whereby more than 80% of the total land area is held under customary ownership. The loss of forest through land clearing for agricultural crop farming is continuing at an accelerating rate and it is estimated that most of the potentially productive forest could be destroyed in the next 10 to 15 years.

To ensure a sustained supply of raw materials for the timber industry, a reforestation programme of fast-growing hardwood species was initiated in 1973 and was expanded in 1977 with Aid assistance from the government of New Zealand. Two other similar programmes now combine to establish about 900 ha of forest plantation per annum.

While the forest industries are still lagging behind copra and cocoa in terms of their contributions to the national economy, it is expected that, with proper management and marketing services, they will eventually gain momentum and become one of the country's major earners of foreign exchange.

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