The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) and the Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited (FHCL) have initiated a collaborative effort by signing an agreement to establish a task force focused on verifying and correcting the lease boundaries for FHCL’s mahogany leases. This agreement is a strategic move, as it aims to address boundary inaccuracies across more than 60,000 hectares of the corporation’s 122 leases situated in Vanua Levu and Viti Levu.
To fund this vital initiative, FHCL Chairman Iowane Naiveli presented a contribution of $110,167.84. TLTB Chief Executive Solomone Nata emphasized that this task force will not only support the corporation’s operations but will also significantly benefit landowners, fostering a collaborative relationship that is fundamental to enhancing lease management.
The deployment of advanced technological support for this endeavor was highlighted, notably through the use of the Trinity Pro Drone. This state-of-the-art drone technology is designed to effectively navigate and cover vast areas, including regions with dense foliage in the South Pacific.
Furthermore, FHCL General Manager Semi Dranibaka expressed optimism regarding this partnership, marking it as a crucial step toward improving lease management processes and bolstering efforts to secure timber certification. This aligns with previous assessments indicating that sustainable forestry practices are essential for meeting international market standards, which require certification for ecological responsibility.
In light of these developments, there is a hopeful outlook for the mahogany industry in Fiji. As FHCL advances in correcting lease boundaries and obtaining necessary certifications, it paves the way for not only enhancing the market value of Fijian mahogany but also ensuring that landowners’ rights and interests are prioritized. This concerted effort may ultimately lead to more significant economic opportunities for local communities while promoting environmentally sustainable forestry practices.
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