The forestry sector is one of the key industries contributing to Fiji’s economy, with Minister for Forestry Alitia Bainivalu announcing that it generated approximately $31.1 million in 2022. This amount represents 0.3% of Fiji’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Bainivalu made these remarks at the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) Conference in Macao, China.
She emphasized that Fiji does not export logs but instead processes its entire round wood output into sawn wood and woodchips, which are the primary products. “Woodchips are exported while sawn wood is aimed at both domestic and international markets,” she stated. In 2022, total domestic export earnings reached an estimated $1.1 billion, with the forestry sector contributing approximately 6.8%, or $93.0 million.
Bainivalu noted that Fiji has benefited from government investments in forestry plantations since before independence in 1970, focusing on two rapidly growing exotic species, pine and mahogany. The success of these plantation efforts has led to the establishment of two commercial forestry plantation companies, co-owned by the government and landowners, responsible for managing pine and mahogany, respectively.
The aim of these initiatives was to create a sustainable timber industry that caters to both domestic and export needs, thereby minimizing dependence on natural forests. However, production from natural forests has been declining for several years, currently accounting for only 3% of total national production, while forest plantations contribute 6% from mahogany and 91% from pine.
The mahogany plantation is anticipated to double its production within the next 18 to 24 months, potentially increasing the total wood production to nearly 600,000 cubic meters annually. With most natural forests expected to be dedicated to non-wood uses and services, future wood supply will predominantly come from plantations.
Bainivalu identified climate change as a significant challenge for the sector. She pointed out that the clear distinction between wet and dry seasons has diminished, complicating the planning and execution of plantation development and harvesting. Prolonged dry spells and rising temperatures heighten the risk of forest fires, particularly affecting pine plantations. The changing climate also raises concerns about how the primary plantation species can adapt, given that all commercial plantations consist of a single species, which increases vulnerability to pests and diseases.