The forestry sector is one of the 21 key industries powering Fiji’s economy. According to Minister for Forestry Alitia Bainivalu, the industry contributed around $31.1 million in 2022, making up about 0.3 percent of Fiji’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Ms. Bainivalu shared these insights while speaking at the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) Conference held in Macao, China this week. She highlighted that although Fiji does not export logs, it processes all its round wood production into two primary products: sawn wood and woodchips.
“Woodchips are designated for exports, while sawn wood is aimed at both domestic and international markets,” Ms. Bainivalu stated. She noted that in 2022, total domestic export earnings reached an estimated $1.1 billion, with the forestry sector accounting for approximately 6.8 percent, or $93 million.
She expressed appreciation for the government’s early investments in forestry plantations, utilizing fast-growing exotic species such as pine and mahogany since before Fiji’s independence in 1970. “Our plantation initiatives have proven successful, leading to the establishment of two commercial forest plantation companies that are jointly owned by the government and landowners; one focused on pine and the other on mahogany,” she explained.
The core principle behind these investments has been to create and maintain a sustainable timber industry that serves both local and export markets while reducing reliance on natural forests. Ms. Bainivalu pointed out that production from natural forests has been declining for several years and now contributes only 3 percent to national total production, with forest plantations of mahogany and pine contributing 6 percent and 91 percent, respectively.
The mahogany plantation is projected to double its production within the next 18 to 24 months, increasing the total wood production to nearly 600,000 cubic meters annually. Ms. Bainivalu mentioned that most remaining natural forests are expected to be preserved for non-wood uses and services, and all wood production will likely come from plantations.
However, she noted that the sector faces significant challenges due to climate change. “The clear distinction between wet and dry seasons is disappearing, which complicates the planning and implementation of plantation establishment and harvesting. Prolonged dry spells and rising temperatures heighten the risk of forest fires, particularly affecting our pine plantations. Furthermore, our primary plantation species may struggle to adapt to the shifting weather patterns brought on by climate change,” she remarked.
“Since all our commercial plantations consist of a single species, the risks are amplified, including potential pest and disease incursions.”