Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (NRRD)

Managing Institute:
NRIL (Natural Resources International)

Contractor:
ABW Associates Ltd

Project Code: R5647 583-656-003	Start Date: 01/01/1994	End Date: 31/05/1995
Commitment: £59,900	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TDR

Project Background:
For 30 years populations of 12 tree species have been monitored on permanent sample plots in natural lowland tropical rain on Kolombangara, Solomon Islands. The plots were established by Dr T.C. Whitmore in 1964 when employed as a forest botanist by the Solomon Islands Government. Results of the survey have been published in 1974 and 1989 and have contributed to an emerging literature on the dynamics of tropical rain forests. The potential existed for novel applications of the survey data, in particular to growth and yield modelling of natural forest and ecological theory. In addition, it was considered that the large amount of data available could contribute to an increasing knowledge of the silvicultural properties of some major Solomon Islands timber tree species and the long-term responses of forests to cyclone damage. The Kolombangara plots are uniquely placed to address these issues because of the length of time that they have been monitored, the large number of trees under study and the local interest in maintaining them.

Project Objectives:
The objectives of the project are: To make 1994 measurements of permanent sample plots To add 1988, 1990 and 1994 remeasurements to data base and reanalyse for the whole period 1964-1994 To publish scientific report summarising discoveries on regeneration dynamics over 30 years, and manual for local use on management and silvicultural implications.