[2][3] Since the late 20th century, statutory recognition and protection of indigenous and community land rights continues to be a major challenge.
The gap between formally recognized and customarily held and managed land is a significant source of underdevelopment, conflict, and environmental degradation.
[4] In many countries, most land is held under customary tenure, including 90% in Africa.
Distinct customary systems of tenure have evolved on different islands and areas within the Pacific region.
[7] The amount of customary land ownership out of the total land area of Pacific island nations is the following: 97% in Papua New Guinea, 98% in Vanuatu, 88% in Fiji, 87% in the Solomon Islands, and 81% in Samoa.