The Fijian government is taking significant strides to broaden its economic landscape by officially recognizing non-timber forest products as vital contributors to the economy. Forestry Minister Alitia Bainivalu revealed in Parliament that the upcoming Forest Bill 2025 will highlight the importance of forest products such as sandalwood, bamboo, and agarwood. This progressive move is designed to empower local communities, stimulate the creation of new industries, and promote sustainable forest management practices.
A key milestone in this initiative is the launch of Fiji’s inaugural agarwood processing facility in Nasavusavu, made possible through a public-private partnership. This facility is anticipated to generate over $167 million by producing high-quality agarwood oil. Additionally, an agreement with Indonesia aims to enhance the local bamboo industry, offering training for sixteen Fijian individuals and technical assistance from Indonesian experts.
Forested areas in Tailevu and Bua are earmarked for the expansion of sandalwood plantations over 60 hectares, complemented by a bamboo inventory trial supported by New Zealand and the Global Green Growth Initiative. These efforts highlight Fiji’s strategic intent to empower rural communities while positioning itself as a leader in sustainable forest-based products.
The diversification of the forest sector comes at a crucial time, with the government having previously invested significantly in sandalwood cultivation due to increasing Asian market demand. This interest is expected to culminate in a harvest of 106 tonnes of sandalwood, estimated to generate around $10 million in export revenue over the next five years.
These initiatives are critical in driving economic growth, ensuring ecological sustainability, and integrating local communities into the forestry sector. Minister Bainivalu’s strategic vision places Fiji on a promising path towards a sustainable and economically vibrant future by adopting innovative forest management and cultivation techniques. Such forward-thinking policies are not only vital for economic advancement but also for maintaining ecological balance and community development, fostering long-term prosperity for Fiji.