National Forest Policy, 2009 (Tonga)

The objective of the National Forest Policy of Tonga is to support the management of the forests and trees of Tonga in a sustainable manner to provide benefits for current and future generations of the Tongan people. These include indigenous forests, planted exotic forests, agroforests, and trees on farms and in urban communities. Implicit in this objective is the requirement to manage the forests and trees for conservation of biodiversity, soil, water and other environmental values, as well as for economic and social benefits. The inherent impacts of climate change, growing urbanization and globalization have been closely considered. The Policy envisions that the rural and urban landscape of Tonga will be tree-rich. Trees (for timber, fodder, crops, medicine, cultural use, handicrafts and fuelwood) will be planted and maintained on farms, urban areas, coastal strips and degraded areas. It further envisions that the people of Tonga will value their forests and tree resources and understand the need for their management. This will be achieved through a programme of education and extension. Moreover, indigenous forests will be conserved through national parks and reserves, and forest reserves. Industrial roundwood production will be confined to plantations and trees (especially coconuts) grown on tax allotments.