This report highlights the environmental and economic importance of the forests of the Mau Complex and Marmanet to provide a better understanding of the issues at stake. It summarizes the findings of the aerial reconnaissance of 7 May 2008, supported by information and data received from various government departments, and provides recommendations to re‐establish law and order in the protected forests and restore critical catchments to address current environmental and economic threats. The report confines itself to technical issues (statement of facts), but does not attempt to address the deep‐seated, underlying political issues.