The Fiji Mahogany Trust Board is urging a swift review of the Fiji Mahogany Act, citing ongoing frustrations from landowners regarding the delays. Chairman Sakiasi Rokovucago expressed concerns that despite the People’s Alliance party’s promise to address the issue within their first 100 days, nearly two years have gone by without significant action.
Rokovucago highlighted that the landowning units have been waiting for a review for 15 years, and he emphasized that the lack of progress has negatively impacted these units. In October, the Cabinet approved a review of the Mahogany Industry Development Act 2010 and the Licensing and Branding Act 2011, establishing a Mahogany Industry Taskforce Review Committee to manage the process while engaging landowners through public consultations. The timeline for presenting the review to Parliament is set for mid-March of this year.
During this process, Rokovucago suggested that the government should take into account important aspects of the previously repealed Mahogany Act of 2003. Minister for Fisheries and Forests Alitia Bainivalu assured that landowning units would be included in the review through public consultation. She clarified that the mahogany industry operates under the Ministry of Public Enterprise and that the Mahogany Industry Council, which she chairs, is responsible for addressing complaints and regulating log prices.
This ongoing dialogue presents an opportunity for meaningful reform in the mahogany sector, suggesting a path forward for the landowning units. Engaging stakeholders through public consultations may foster a sense of ownership and accountability among landowners, leading to a more equitable and effective management of the industry.
In summary, while frustrations remain, the efforts to review the Mahogany Act signal a promising step towards addressing long-standing concerns and ensuring better governance in the industry. If the voices of landowners are genuinely heard and incorporated into the new regulations, this could be a pivotal moment for enhancing the livelihoods of those directly impacted by the mahogany trade in Fiji.
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