PHASING OUT TIMBER PRODUCTION IN MAURITIUS

By F.Mohit - forestry_mauritius

The National Forest Policy of Mauritius (2006) lays more emphasis on conservation of forests, and it was unanimously agreed during its formulation to phase out timber production.  In the past, forests were managed mainly for timber production.    Today the state forest plantations (about 12,000 hectares) are no longer exploited, and the Wood Exploitation License of registered Woodmerchants has not been renewed in 2021, in line with the current policy of phasing out timber production.   These plantations consist of exotic tree species with Pine the predominant one. 

                                                                             Pine plantation at Sophie 

                                                                   

 One of the main objectives of The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAP) of 2006-2015 & 2016-2025 is to convert at least 50 % of these plantations to native forests.  However, up to now, progress is at a snail's pace.  The major constraints are inadequate resources (both human & financial), lack of an investment programme, inadequate commitment at the highest level and the exorbitant costs involved.

The Forestry Service is presently facing an acute shortage of staff and lack of funds to properly fulfill its mandate, and the situation may worsen as the priority of the Government will be elsewhere in the face of the pandemic Covid 19.  Forest operations are being curtailed with the result that proper forest management is in jeopardy.  For example, many forest plantations require thinnings as illustrated by the picture below.  The overcrowded trees are thin due to high competition for air, water and nutrients. 

                                                      Pine plantation urgently requiring thinning

The following picture shows a mature Pine plantations where regular thinnings have been done.  The health and size of trees are remarkable.

                                                                Pine plantation that had been properly managed
                                      

Was it premature to phase out timber production? Trees, like any living thing, have a lifespan.  In a pure (no alien species) natural forest, old trees die and are replaced by younger ones. In other words the forest renew itself perpetually.  In contrast, when old trees in forest plantations (which is mostly monoculture, i.e. consisting of only one tree species) die, they are not replaced.  In fact most of the old plantations in Mauritius are being degraded with high mortality rate, and the invasion of alien plant species such as Chinese guava.  The following picture shows a highly degraded Pine plantation in the Black River Gorges National Park (BRGNP).

                                                  Very degraded Pine Plantation in the BRGNP

I believe that timber production can be phased out only when the objective of the NBSAP has been achieved, i.e. the conversion of at least 50 % of the forest plantations.  Timber exploitation can offset the high costs of converting these exotic plantations to native forests (More than Rs 1 Million is required for the successful conversion of one hectare).  Registered Woodmerchants exploit timber on state forest lands at their own costs.  Moreover, Government will collect substantial revenues in terms of royalties.  The money obtained can be used in the reforestation project. Forest policy is a dynamic process that is reviewed periodically.  

I hope this article will trigger discussion on the present challenges facing forest management in Mauritius.  Your views and opinions are highly welcome!!!