Fiji’s Mahogany Act: Are Landowners Finally Getting Their Due?

The Fiji Mahogany Trust Board is urging for a swift review of the Fiji Mahogany Act due to growing frustrations among landowners highlighted by chairman Sakiasi Rokovucago. He expressed concerns that despite commitments made by The People’s Alliance party to address the issue within 100 days of their governance, nearly two years have passed with no progress. The landowners have been awaiting a review for approximately 15 years, and Rokovucago emphasized that the lack of action undermines their position.

In October, the Cabinet approved a review of the Mahogany Industry Development Act 2010 and the Licensing and Branding Act 2011, with a dedicated Mahogany Industry Taskforce Review Committee set to manage the process. This committee plans to engage landowners through public consultations, and the anticipated review is expected to be presented to Parliament by mid-March.

Rokovucago urged the government to consider important provisions from the previously repealed Mahogany Act 2003 during this review. Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Alitia Bainivalu, assured that the review process would actively involve landowners, emphasizing that the mahogany industry is overseen by the Ministry of Public Enterprise and operates under public enterprise regulations.

Bainivalu pointed out that the Mahogany Industry Council, which she chairs, plays a key role in addressing concerns and regulating log prices as per the governing Act. The necessity for a review arises from landowners’ desire to influence pricing and regulatory aspects more directly, rather than through the council.

This situation highlights the ongoing discourse about landowner rights and industry regulations within Fiji’s mahogany sector. The proactive stance taken by the Fiji Mahogany Trust and government representatives illustrates a commitment to addressing these long-standing issues for the benefit of the landowning units.

Overall, the review process signals a hopeful opportunity for reform that could empower landowners, enhance transparency, and foster more equitable management of resources in the industry. The engagement of landowners in consultations reflects a move towards inclusivity in decision-making that many hope will generate positive changes for the mahogany sector in Fiji.