A renewed initiative to develop Fiji’s bamboo industry is picking up speed, as government officials and international partners aim to position this fast-growing resource as a cornerstone of rural enterprise, green manufacturing, and eco-tourism. The focus was pronounced during a recent bamboo weaving workshop organized by the Indonesian Embassy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry, which included a bamboo product exhibition at the Fiji Arts Council.
Apisai Rinamalo, the Deputy Conservator of Forests Operations and Services, emphasized that this initiative demonstrates the growing bilateral relationship between Fiji and Indonesia to harness bamboo as a commercially viable resource that could support sustainable livelihoods. Rinamalo articulated the essence of the workshop, stating, “This is not only about craftsmanship but about knowledge transfer, innovation, and empowerment.” He highlighted the goal of equipping artisans, youth, and community enterprises with the skills and confidence needed to transform natural resources into high-quality products that reflect a Fijian narrative while ensuring forest sustainability.
Recognizing bamboo’s untapped potential, authorities see strong business prospects across various sectors, including furniture manufacturing, handicrafts, construction materials, and creative industries. This is particularly relevant given the increasing global demand for renewable and climate-resilient materials. This collaboration with Indonesia has already led to training for forestry officers, artisans, and stakeholders in bamboo processing and product development, with a notable initiative last year that involved 12 artisans from Naitasiri and Tailevu provinces visiting Indonesia for specialized training. These provinces are recognized as key bamboo growing regions in Fiji, making them ideal candidates for pilot initiatives.
In addition, officials are exploring how bamboo can enhance eco-tourism. A community-based bamboo forest park recently established in Namosi, developed through the collaboration of the Ministry of Forestry and local landowners, is already being promoted by tourism authorities. Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji Dupito Simamora pointed out that bamboo attractions could enrich Fiji’s tourism sector while generating new income for rural communities, declaring, “There is a sleeping opportunity for Fiji to develop bamboo in the future.” He believes that high-quality bamboo products can become valuable exports if backed by continued training, product design, and industry standards.
Indonesia has committed to extending its technical and financial support for this sector, and discussions are ongoing to establish a five-year development roadmap to ensure the bamboo industry’s commercial sustainability. Simamora indicated that future cooperation might include ongoing skills training, product innovation initiatives, and collaborative projects with Fiji’s arts and creative industries, especially as the region anticipates the upcoming Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival.
This initiative transcends mere cultural or environmental efforts; it represents a strategic move to cultivate a green industry capable of generating employment, reinforcing rural economies, and positioning Fiji within the burgeoning global market for sustainable materials. As the bamboo sector evolves, it brings hope for a brighter, more sustainable future for Fijian communities.