Forest degradation is different from deforestation. Deforestation occurs when forests are converted to non-forest uses, such as agriculture and road construction. The term forest degradation is used to indicate the destruction or reduction in quality of specific aspects of forests.
In addition to the extensive coral reef habitats described in Chapter 5, the shallow subtidal and intertidal zones around the coasts of Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) often support large areas of mangroves and seagrasses.
