24 November 2010: The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) convened the Regional Workshop on Sandalwood Development, Research, and Trade in the Pacific and Asian Region, from 24-29 November, in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

The meeting was attended by 38 participants from 12 countries. According to SPC, sandalwood has considerable cultural and economic importance to many communities in the Pacific region. In addition, due to its high economic value, sandalwood has the potential to contribute significantly to rural economies. The workshop aimed to enhance the exchange of information on sandalwood resource development, research and trade within the Pacific and Asian region, as well as to explore and strengthen opportunities for collaboration among countries and territories in the region.

During the meeting SPC emphasized the need for greater research and input into ways of improving stand management, introduction of sandalwood in agroforestry systems, and identifying more effective methodologies for better conserving both the species and its habitat, especially in the face of climate change.

The first regional sandalwood meeting was held in Hawaii in 1991, followed by 1994 and 2002 meetings in Noumea and a meeting in Fiji in 2005. [SPC Press Release]