Fiji’s Mahogany Act: Is Change on the Horizon?

The Fiji Mahogany Trust Board of Trustees is urging a prompt review of the Fiji Mahogany Act due to ongoing frustrations among landowners regarding the lengthy delays. Chairman Sakiasi Rokovucago noted that despite being addressed in The People’s Alliance party’s 100-day manifesto, almost two years have passed without substantial progress.

Rokovucago emphasized that they have waited 15 years for the review, and the lack of action has created significant challenges for landowning units. The government acknowledged the need for a review in October, approving an initiative to reassess both the Mahogany Industry Development Act 2010 and the Licensing and Branding Act 2011. A dedicated Mahogany Industry Taskforce Review Committee has been established to manage the review process, which will include consultations with landowners.

The committee’s findings are expected to be presented to Parliament by mid-March. Rokovucago has urged that the committee considers critical legislation from the previously repealed Mahogany Act 2003.

Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Alitia Bainivalu, reassured that landowners will be actively engaged in the review process. She explained that the mahogany industry operates under the Ministry of Public Enterprise and pointed out that the Mahogany Industry Council is responsible for addressing complaints and regulating log prices. The push for a review stems from landowners’ desire for greater control over pricing, reflecting their prolonged wait and frustrations with the current governing structure.

This review may represent a crucial turning point for the mahogany industry in Fiji, potentially leading to better support and regulations that benefit landowners. The government’s commitment to engage landowners in the process is a positive step toward addressing longstanding issues and fostering a more equitable framework for the industry moving forward.

In summary, the Fiji Mahogany Trust is advocating for a much-needed review of the Mahogany Act to address landowners’ concerns, and with new government initiatives underway, there is hope for improved regulations that can enhance the industry’s future.