Threats to Biodiversity Management

1. Increased pressure on natural resources as a result of increases in the human population
2. Widespread use of fish poisons
3. Shortage of water during extended dry seasons. Reduced water flows in creeks and rivers
4. Disrespect for local community leaders and their resource management decisions
5. Deliberate lighting for bush fires with no valid reason
6. Depletion of marine resources through uncontrolled use of newer fishing methods
7. Expansion of commercial agricultural activities including coconut and cattle plantations and pepper gardens and resultant conversion of forest and garden land
8. Impacts of introduced species, namely;
-----a. Fresh water species-Gampusia sp., poecilia sp.Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.), Aquatic plant (Salvinia sp)
-----b. Terrestrial species- African snails, Elephant grass (Panicum purpureum), Agriculture Rope (Glycine) and Cordia allidora, Indian Mynah Bird (Acridothere tristis)
9. Impacts of logging on wildlife and natural ecosystems, including forest ecosystems
10. New techniques for harvesting flying fox and birds
11. Clearing of bush for subsistence and commercial agriculture
12. Destruction of mangroves.
13. Impacts of volcanic ash on natural vegetation associated wild life. E.g Ambrym Island
14. Impacts of soil erosion. E.g. Paama Island
15. Failure to respect size limits, closed seasons and traditional tabus set to ensure resource use is sustainable.
16. Lack of community cooperation to address environment management issues.
17. Over-exploitation of commercial resources due to the need for cash income
18. Kava (Piper methysticum) gardens.
19. Use of riparian areas for gardening and grazing.
20. Over-exploitation of commercial resources due to the need for cash income.
21. Environmental impacts of infrastructure and development activities