The forestry sector plays a significant role in Fiji’s economy, being one of the 21 key industries. Minister for Forestry Alitia Bainivalu announced that the forestry and logging industry contributed about $31.1 million in 2022, representing 0.3 percent of Fiji’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Bainivalu made this remark during her speech at the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) Conference in Macao, China. She clarified that while Fiji is not a log exporter, it transforms all its round wood production into sawn wood and woodchips, which are the primary products. “Woodchips are exported, while sawn wood is aimed at both domestic and export markets,” she noted.
In 2022, Fiji’s total domestic export earnings were estimated at $1.1 billion, with the forestry sector accounting for about 6.8 percent, or $93.0 million. Bainivalu expressed gratitude for the government’s vision, which dates back to before Fiji’s independence in 1970, in investing in forestry plantations using fast-growing exotic species like pine and mahogany.
The minister highlighted the success of these plantation efforts, leading to the establishment of two commercial forest plantation companies owned jointly by the government and landowners—one focused on pine and the other on mahogany. This initiative aims to foster a sustainable timber industry while reducing reliance on natural forests for timber.
Bainivalu pointed out that production from natural forests has been declining for several years, currently representing only 3 percent of total production. In contrast, forest plantations contribute 6 percent from mahogany and a substantial 91 percent from pine. She anticipates that the mahogany plantation’s production will double within the next 18 to 24 months, boosting total wood production to nearly 600,000 cubic meters annually. With most remaining natural forests set to be preserved for non-wood uses, future wood production will rely heavily on these plantations.
However, Bainivalu acknowledged climate change as a significant challenge facing the sector. The changing climate has disrupted the traditional wet and dry seasons, complicating plantation planning and harvesting. Prolonged dry spells and rising temperatures heighten the risk of forest fires, especially affecting pine plantations. Additionally, uncertainty looms over the ability of major plantation species to withstand fluctuating weather patterns.
She noted the risks associated with commercial plantations being comprised of a single species, which increases vulnerability to pest and disease outbreaks.