The forestry sector plays a significant role in Fiji’s economy as one of the 21 key industries. In 2022, the forestry and logging industry contributed approximately $31.1 million, representing 0.3 percent of the country’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to Minister for Forestry Alitia Bainivalu.
Ms. Bainivalu made these remarks during her speech at the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) Conference in Macao, China, earlier this week. She noted that while Fiji does not export logs, it processes all of its round wood production into sawn wood and woodchips, which are the primary products.
“Woodchips are designated for export, while sawn wood serves both domestic and international markets,” Ms. Bainivalu explained. In 2022, total domestic export earnings reached approximately $1.1 billion, with the forestry sector accounting for about 6.8 percent, or $93.0 million.
Ms. Bainivalu emphasized that Fiji has been fortunate in its forestry initiatives, highlighting the government’s early investment in forestry plantations, which began before the country’s independence in 1970, utilizing fast-growing exotic species like pine and mahogany.
“Our plantation efforts have been successful, leading to the establishment of two commercial forest plantation companies, co-owned by the government and landowners, one focusing on pine and the other on mahogany,” she stated.
The initiative was aimed at promoting a sustainable timber industry that serves both local and export markets while reducing the reliance on natural forests. Over the years, production from natural forests has been declining, currently contributing only 3 percent to the national total production, with forest plantations providing the majority—contributing 91 percent from pine and 6 percent from mahogany.
According to Ms. Bainivalu, mahogany production is projected to double within the next 18 to 24 months, bringing total wood production close to 600,000 cubic meters annually. As most natural forests are expected to be preserved for non-wood uses and services, the majority of wood production is anticipated to be sourced from plantations.
However, Ms. Bainivalu highlighted that the sector faces challenges, chiefly from climate change. She noted that the clear distinction between wet and dry seasons is disappearing, complicating plantation establishment and harvesting planning. Prolonged dry spells and rising temperatures are increasing the risk of forest fires, particularly in pine plantations, amid concerns over the resilience of primary plantation species against evolving weather patterns.
“Since our commercial plantations consist of a single species, the risks escalate, including potential pest and disease invasions,” she added.