Henderson Island

Absence of a Management Plan

The State Party provided on 16 July 2004 an updated Management Plan (2004 – 2009), which IUCN reviewed.  The plan aims to ensure that the conservation and management of the property is undertaken in a sensitive and appropriate manner.  It highlights the key issues affecting the property both now and in the future, and outlines how these should be addressed.

The plan sets guidelines to ensure that human activities do not adversely impact the conservation of the island’s indigenous biota and natural environment.  It further identifies six principal management objectives:  protection of the geology, ecology and biota; ensure that the stocks of the timber species are adequate in meeting the needs of the Pitcairners on a sustainable basis; minimize interference with natural processes and the destruction or degradation of natural and archaeological features through human actions; ensure the island’s archaeological features remain available for visitors and scientific study; ensure tourist visits to the island cause no long term damage to the island and are beneficial to the Pitcairn Islanders and to promote an awareness through education and research.

The objectives as reported do not affect any current use of Henderson Island by Pitcairn Islanders.  The plan intends that well managed access to the island continues to be allowed for Pitcairners and responsible tourism.  The plan comprehensively deals with the description and resource inventory, management policies and guidelines.  The authorities have prepared a comprehensive Management Plan which provides a sound basis for the future management of the World Heritage property, and serve as the foundation for a more effective and cohesive approach through involving and respecting the individual roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders.