The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) is the most comprehensive global database of marine and terrestrial protected areas, updated on a monthly basis, and is one of the key global biodiversity data sets being widely used by scientists, businesses, governments, International secretariats and others to inform planning, policy decisions and management. The WDPA is a joint project between UN Environment and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
This is the Vegetation Survey of Yap Main Island from 1986
FSM has a long history of disturbance from human settlement and use, which influenced the forest structure and species composition over time. This is usually marked by conversion of native forest to agroforestry. In 2016 the percentage of forest area showing signs of disturbance from human activities and climate events was 45%.
Response and Recommendation:
The Protected Areas Working Group (PAWG) of the Pacific Islands Round Table for Nature Conservation recommended a forum to better connect a diverse range of people and their work relating to protected and conserved areas. To increase efficacy with respect to gaining momentum with communications and conservation work, the Pacific Islands Protected Area Portal (PIPAP) was launched.
This dataset summarised a few key findings of the FSM State of Environment Report 2018 in interactive graphs.
In 2016, most of the 54,000 ha of forest in FSM was tropical lowland rainforest