The forestry sector plays a significant role in Fiji’s economy, being one of the 21 key industries identified. According to Minister for Forestry Alitia Bainivalu, the forestry and logging industry contributed around $31.1 million in 2022, corresponding to 0.3 percent of Fiji’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Bainivalu made these remarks at the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) Conference in Macao, China. 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 exported, while sawn wood is marketed domestically and internationally.
In 2022, domestic export earnings reached an estimated $1.1 billion, with the forestry sector accounting for about 6.8 percent, equivalent to $93 million. Bainivalu emphasized the government’s foresight in investing in forestry plantations using two fast-growing exotic species, pine and mahogany, even before Fiji’s independence in 1970.
The minister highlighted the success of these plantation efforts, which have led to the establishment of two commercial forest plantation companies, co-owned by the government and landowners. These companies manage pine and mahogany, respectively, aiming to support a sustainable timber industry for both domestic and export needs while minimizing reliance on natural forests.
However, production from natural forests has been on the decline for several years, contributing only 3 percent to national production, compared to 6 percent from mahogany plantations and 91 percent from pine plantations. Bainivalu noted that mahogany plantation production is expected to double in the next 18-24 months, potentially increasing total wood production to nearly 600,000 cubic meters annually.
With most remaining natural forests likely to be preserved for non-wood uses, nearly all wood production is anticipated to come from plantations.
Bainivalu also shared that the forestry sector is facing significant challenges, particularly due to climate change. The traditional distinction between wet and dry seasons is fading, complicating planning for plantation establishment and harvesting. Extended dry periods and rising temperatures heighten the risk of forest fires, particularly in pine plantations. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding main plantation species’ adaptability to changing weather patterns raises concerns, especially since the commercial plantations consist of a single species, increasing the risks of pest and disease outbreaks.