The forestry sector plays a significant role in Fiji’s economy, ranking among the 21 most crucial industries. Minister for Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, disclosed that the forestry and logging industry contributed approximately $31.1 million in 2022, accounting for about 0.3 percent of Fiji’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Bainivalu made these remarks while speaking at the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) Conference in Macao, China. She emphasized that although Fiji does not export logs, the country processes all its round wood production into two main products: sawn wood and woodchips. Woodchips are exported, while sawn wood is marketed domestically and abroad.
In 2022, total domestic export earnings were estimated at $1.1 billion, with the forestry sector contributing around 6.8 percent, or approximately $93.0 million. Bainivalu noted that Fiji has benefited from the government’s early investment in forestry plantations, particularly utilizing fast-growing exotic species such as pine and mahogany since before its independence in 1970.
The minister highlighted the success of their plantation efforts, which has led 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. The primary goal was to foster a sustainable timber industry for both domestic and export markets while minimizing reliance on natural forests.
Currently, production from natural forests has been declining, contributing only 3 percent to national total production. In contrast, mahogany and pine plantations account for 6 percent and 91 percent of the total production, respectively. The mahogany plantation is anticipated to double its production in the next 18 to 24 months, bringing the total wood production close to 600,000 cubic meters annually. With most remaining natural forests set to be reserved for non-wood uses and services, future wood production is nearly expected to come solely from plantations.
Bainivalu also addressed significant challenges facing the sector, notably climate change. She explained that the clear distinction between wet and dry seasons is diminishing, complicating the planning and execution of plantation establishment and harvesting. Increasing temperatures and prolonged dry spells amplify the risk of forest fires, particularly affecting pine plantations, while the ability of primary plantation species to adapt to changing weather patterns remains uncertain. Furthermore, as all commercial plantations consist of a single species, the potential for pest and disease incursions is heightened.