Forestal is a large, low-lying island in the east, between the Middle Islands and the Green Islands. Forestal was set aside for development of natural resources like lumber, clay, and minerals.

     Most Gao considered the Green Islands remote, as they were far south and east, separated from the populated areas by the large and thinly populated island of Forestal and by a strait called the Canikam Gap.  Those who lived there, however, saw their position differently: the Green Islands were the link to civilization for the many isles farther east.