The forestry sector is one of the 21 industries that significantly contribute to Fiji’s economy. Minister for Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, disclosed that the forestry and logging industry generated approximately $31.1 million in 2022, which accounts for 0.3 percent of Fiji’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Bainivalu made these remarks during her address at the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) Conference in Macao, China, this week. She pointed out that while Fiji does not export logs, it processes all of its round wood production into sawn wood and woodchips, the two primary products.
“Woodchips are intended for export, while sawn wood is aimed at both domestic and export markets,” she stated. In 2022, total domestic export earnings were estimated at $1.1 billion, with the forestry sector contributing around 6.8 percent, translating to approximately $93.0 million.
Bainivalu emphasized that Fiji has been fortunate that, even before its independence in 1970, the government recognized the importance of investing in forestry plantations, utilizing two fast-growing exotic species: pine and mahogany.
“Our plantation initiatives have been quite successful, resulting in the establishment of two commercial forest plantation companies owned jointly by the government and landowners—one focusing on pine and the other on mahogany,” she said.
The overarching goal has been to cultivate a sustainable timber industry that caters to both domestic and export needs while minimizing reliance on natural forests. Natural forest production has been on a decline for several years and currently contributes only 3 percent of the national production total, with the rest coming from mahogany and pine plantations that contribute 6 percent and 91 percent, respectively.
Bainivalu noted that mahogany plantation production is expected to double in the next 18 to 24 months, raising total wood production to nearly 600,000 cubic meters per year. With most of the remaining natural forests anticipated to be reserved for non-wood uses and services, it is expected that nearly all wood production will come from plantations.
However, Bainivalu identified climate change as a major challenge for the sector. “The clear distinction between wet and dry seasons is disappearing, complicating the planning and execution of plantation establishment and harvesting.”
She added that prolonged dry weather and rising temperatures significantly increase the risk of forest fires, particularly affecting pine plantations. Moreover, she expressed concerns regarding the resilience of the main plantation species against changing weather patterns brought on by climate change.
“Since all our commercial plantations consist of a single species, the risks are heightened, including threats from pests and diseases.”