3 May 2025, Port Vila, Vanuatu – A recent Tree Stocktake Assessment conducted at Aku Farm under the Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change Plus (PEBACC+) project highlights the encouraging progress in reforestation at the Tagabe River catchment. However, the findings also stress that regular and strategic maintenance is key to the long-term survival of these efforts.
Covering 33 hectares, the site recorded a total of 1,673 healthy planted trees, predominantly Whitewood (1,178) and Mahogany (439), with additional species including Kauri, Natangura Palm, and sandalwood. While these numbers mark a significant achievement, the assessment found that 26% of the site, equivalent to 8.6 hectares, requires fortnightly maintenance to manage weed overgrowth and ensure young seedlings are not choked out or suppressed.
Mr. Michael Taiki, Tree-planting and Maintenance Consultant with Lokol Solutions that compiled the report said, “We recognize the challenges outlined in the assessment, particularly regarding invasive species and pest control, and we are committed to working closely with PEBACC+ project and partners to address these issues.
“Through the PEBACC+ project, Lokol Solutions has been able to showcase the skills of Vanuatu's youth, particularly young women in the forestry sector, who have been involved in every stage, from raising seedlings in nurseries to tree planting and maintenance in the field. The upcoming replanting activities and continued maintenance efforts will be vital in ensuring the long-term success of this initiative,” said Mr. Taiki.
Planting trees is only the beginning. Without routine care such as vine and weed control, pest management, and proper monitoring, many of these trees won’t survive the early stages of growth. Critical areas such as the East Valley, which have high moisture retention and dense weed growth, pose challenges. This zone alone accounts for over 3 hectares requiring maintenance and half of the total 0.94 hectares designated for replanting due to plant loss.
Common invasive species like Mikania micrantha, Turkey Berry, and Nil Grass interfere with seedling development, often wrapping around branches or shading them from sunlight. Pests such as feral pigs and coconut rhinoceros beetles have also been identified as major threats to young tree health.
The PEBACC+ Project also works closely with the Vanuatu Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, and Biosecurity. And to restore areas of loss, approximately 300 seedlings, mainly Whitewood and Mahogany, are being sourced from the Ministry through its Department of Forestry nursery, with planting scheduled for mid-December. Maintenance activities are scheduled fortnightly for replant zones and monthly for the remaining areas, forming part of a broader, site-specific plan.
Mr. William Bani, PEBACC+ Country Coordinator, highlighted this inclusive approach: “Our ability to maintain these trees over time hinges on local ownership and regular involvement. We’re not just growing forests; we’re building community stewards.”
He added, “A key component of the project is gender-inclusive engagement, with 41 community members (27 men, 14 women) participating in various free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) meetings, site assessments, and maintenance activities. We conducted community consultations with the Ifira community, nearby leaseholders, and local youth groups. Moving forward, three female staff members have been recruited to facilitate greater inclusion of women, youth, and children in conservation initiatives.”
“The tree stocktake assessment shows that sustainable forestry is not about how many trees are planted, but it’s about how many survive. Strategic, consistent maintenance and strong community engagement are the cornerstones of long-term ecological success at Aku Farm,” he added.
As Vanuatu confronts the impacts of climate change, projects like PEBACC+ serve as a blueprint for how local action, when rooted in science, consent, and community, can transform landscapes for generations to come.
PEBACC+ is a €5.8 million regional project implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme and funded by the Kiwa Initiative through its donors the European Union, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Global Affairs Canada, Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), with co-financing from French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM).
This four-year project seeks to strengthen the resilience of ecosystems, economies, and communities to the impacts of climate change in Fiji, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The project will develop, sustain, and institutionalize Ecosystem-based Adaptation to climate change in these five countries and territories.
Link to the Tree Stocktaking Assessment Report: https://library.sprep.org/content/tree-stocktaking-assessment-report-tree-stocktaking-replacement-maintenance-and-monitoring
Contact: Setaita Tavanabola, Communications Officer, SPREP, email: setaitat@sprep.org.