The forestry sector plays a significant role in driving Fiji’s economy, being one of the 21 key industries. According to Minister for Forestry Alitia Bainivalu, the forestry and logging sector contributed approximately $31.1 million in 2022, which accounts for 0.3 percent of Fiji’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Minister Bainivalu made these remarks at the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) Conference held in Macao, China. She emphasized that while Fiji does not export logs, the country processes all of its round wood production into sawn wood and woodchips, which are the primary products.
“Woodchips are intended for export, while sawn wood is aimed at both domestic and international markets,” Bainivalu stated. In 2022, the total domestic export earnings reached an estimated $1.1 billion, with the forestry sector contributing about 6.8 percent, or $93.0 million, to this figure.
Bainivalu noted the foresight of the Government, even before Fiji’s independence in 1970, to invest in forestry plantations using two fast-growing exotic species: pine and mahogany. The country’s plantation efforts have been successful, leading to the establishment of two commercial forest plantation companies owned jointly by the Government and landowners—one that manages pine and another that oversees mahogany.
“The main goal was to support the creation and maintenance of a sustainable timber industry that serves both domestic and export markets, while reducing dependence on our natural forests,” she explained.
Production from natural forests has been declining over the years, currently making up only 3 percent of total national production, with the remainder sourced from mahogany and pine plantations, which contribute 6 percent and 91 percent respectively. Bainivalu projected that mahogany plantation production is expected to double within the next 18 to 24 months, bringing total wood production close to 600,000 cubic meters per year.
As the remaining natural forests are anticipated to be reserved for non-wood uses and services, nearly all wood production is expected to emerge from plantations.
However, the sector faces significant challenges, particularly due to climate change. Bainivalu highlighted the impacts of altered weather patterns, stating, “The clear distinction between the wet and dry seasons is no longer evident, complicating plantation establishment and harvesting planning.”
Longer dry periods and rising temperatures have also increased the risks of forest fires, particularly in pine plantations. Furthermore, there is concern regarding the vulnerability of the main plantation species to changing climate conditions.
“Since all our commercial plantations consist of a single species, the risks are amplified, including the potential for pest and disease outbreaks,” she added.