Investment Immigration to Antigua to understand the economic situation ofAntigua: In 1995, the total forest area of Antigua and Barbuda was 90 km², with a forest cover rate of 20.5%, all of which consisted of natural forests. Antigua and Barbuda has identified 34 ecosystems, of which 14 are forests. The forest cover rate is 15%. The forests on Antigua Island are primarily montane and ravine forests, while those on Barbuda Island are mainly limestone moist forests. However, the role of forests in the economy of these two islands is quite limited.
Antigua and Barbuda is home to 2 species of tree frogs, 1 species of marine toad, 17 species of reptiles, and 17 species of mammals. Antigua Island has 106 species of birds and Barbuda Island has 74, none of which are economically significant species. Most of the small indigenous animals (such as agouti) are severely threatened by introduced animals (such as mongooses).
Most people in Antigua and Barbuda seem to have a limited understanding of forestry, regarding mainly what products can be derived from trees, and have only a vague understanding of forestry officials. There are no tall trees on the flat Barbuda Island, and on the relatively flat Antigua Island, only some small stands exist at the tops of steep mountains. The trees on these islands produce firewood, fruits, and medicinal substances, but not in abundance.
With a tourism-based economy, Antigua and Barbuda has minimal connections to the trees and inland parts of the islands. Most people work in the tourism services sector near the beaches. Almost everything, including food, beverages, and building materials, relies on imports, with very little domestic production of agricultural, forestry, and food products.
Historically, Antigua and Barbuda has faced issues related to water sources, soil erosion, and firewood. In recent years, there has been a gradual recognition of the need to protect wildlife, certain natural areas, and heritage. In the 1980s, with increasing international and public attention to wildlife legislation, a national forestry policy was developed on Antigua Island, encompassing reforestation, forest protection, logging control, watershed management, wildlife conservation, and nature reserves. On Barbuda Island, public concern has focused on wildlife related to forestry, control of medicinal plant collection, protection of trees to conserve water sources, and economic activities associated with trees.
Furthermore, there is almost no forest industry in Antigua and Barbuda, and forest products primarily depend on imports. In 1997, the import value of forest products was 4.604 million USD, with all of the 4000 m³ of plywood consumed being imported.