Money grows on trees: valuing and sustaining natural resources in Pacific Island Countries: a report prepared for TNC, PIFS and SPREP

Abstract

The natural environment of Pacific Island countries has supported, maintained and improved the social and economic wellbeing of its people and cultures since the arrival of the first inhabitants. The importance of the region’s biodiversity cannot be understated; it is present in every facet of the island way of life. Natural resources provide food, shelter, medicine and are used extensively in traditions. In the past, utilization of these resources was allowed under traditional and community management. It is believed that utilization was undertaken in a balance with nature so that biodiversity was used in a sustainable manner.