Fiji’s timber industry has the potential to innovate and create new products that can be utilized locally in specialized joinery and furniture manufacturing, while also exploring lucrative export opportunities. This perspective was shared by Alitia Bainivalu, the Minister for Forests, in her remarks regarding the ministry’s ongoing research project focused on utilizing senile coconut stems.
The initiative, titled ‘Coconut and other non-traditional forest resources for the manufacture of engineered wood products,’ spans five years and aims to develop and validate wood processing technologies. These technologies will transform low-value forest resources, such as coconut, into high-value engineered wood products that can cater to both local and international markets.
Bainivalu emphasized the importance of the forest industry adapting quickly to these innovative opportunities and investing in the necessary technologies. She noted that the industry is traditionally accustomed to working with conventional timber species, indicating that substantial effort is needed to persuade stakeholders to shift to processing senile coconut logs.
To facilitate the project’s objectives, several strategies are being implemented, including direct involvement from the private sector. The Hyoulin Sawmill Fiji Ltd, a subsidiary of Long Investment Ltd, is actively collaborating with the project. Recently, the sawmill built a steam box, which was commissioned last month, allowing for the heat conditioning of coconut and other non-traditional woods, setting the stage for veneer processing and eventual production of engineered wood products.
Bainivalu confirmed that preliminary tests have been completed successfully, paving the way for further exploration into integrating senile coconut stem processing into the broader commercial production landscape. Additionally, the project involves researching the use of lower-grade mahogany from Fiji Hardwood Corporation as a core material.
The project team has also developed a financial modeling tool aimed at guiding interested participants along the value chain, which is expected to directly benefit plywood producers by delineating profitable pathways for production. Notably, Valebasoga Tropikboards, a plywood processor based in Labasa, has expressed its interest in joining this venture to ensure its success.
Overall, Bainivalu highlighted that the project promises to deliver positive impacts socially, economically, and environmentally. It not only provides a source of income for farmers but also promotes sustainable forestry practices by utilizing senile coconut trees.
In summary, Fiji’s timber industry is on the brink of modernization through innovative projects focused on sustainable practices. With the commitment from both the public and private sectors, this initiative could transform local resource utilization into a profitable and environmentally friendly venture, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders while contributing to sustainable development goals. This project exemplifies a hopeful outlook for both the economy and the environment.
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