“Fiji’s Mahogany Certification: Landowner Grievances Create Uncertainty”

Fiji Hardwood Corporation Ltd and the Fijian Government are urged to address ongoing issues with mahogany landowners before pursuing forest certification. During a recent talanoa session in Savu Village, Viti Levu, landowners expressed concerns that without resolving these grievances, efforts for certification would be futile, despite the potential benefits it could bring to the mahogany industry.

Kalisiana Nakelo, a married landowner and former board secretary, emphasized that certification is essential for enhancing the international market value of Fijian mahogany. She pointed out that many lucrative markets only accept wood from certified sources, which currently limits the potential profits for local mahogany due to unresolved conflicts.

As the Mahogany Industry Development Act undergoes review, landowners worry that if their concerns are not addressed, certification will remain elusive. An independent audit process has already begun, with the first audit completed and a second pending. This audit will assess whether the company is meeting the necessary principles for certification, which could lead to provisional certification and subsequent monitoring for five years.

The landowners have consistently raised issues surrounding inclusion in operational procedures, safety hazards, sustainability practices, and ongoing maintenance and monitoring of their resources. The general manager of the company, Semi Dranibaka, acknowledged that while landowners have been involved in logging operations, their participation has not been consistent.

In an optimistic note, the forestry minister, Alitia Bainivalu, emphasized the importance of upcoming meetings to address these issues collaboratively and create pathways for improvement in the industry.

This situation highlights the importance of effective communication and collaboration between corporations and landowners. As both parties work towards resolving their differences, there is potential for growth and enhanced market opportunities in the Fijian mahogany sector. By prioritizing open dialogue and addressing the concerns of landowners, the industry may pave the way for a successful and sustainable future.