Fiji’s Minister for Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, unveiled the Mahogany Bill 2025 in Parliament, marking a significant overhaul of the country’s mahogany laws for the first time in over ten years. The bill is seen as a cornerstone for reform in an industry that plays a vital role in both the economy and rural livelihoods.
Bainivalu stated that the new legislation is the result of extensive consultations with a diverse range of stakeholders, including landowners, industry operators, and government bodies. She emphasized that the mahogany industry not only generates substantial export revenues but is also crucial for fostering sustainable economic development in Fiji. However, she raised concerns that the existing legislation no longer adequately addresses the current needs of the industry.
The Mahogany Bill 2025 is designed to create a more equitable and efficient sector by taking into account the interests of resource owners while creating broader economic opportunities. Bainivalu reflected on the evolution of mahogany regulations in Fiji, noting the introduction of the Fiji Mahogany Act in 2003, which established the Fiji Mahogany Trust, followed by the Mahogany Industry Development Act in 2010. This set the stage for the creation of the Mahogany Industry Council and clarified the roles of the Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited (FHCL) and the Fiji Mahogany Trust. Further legislative measures included the Mahogany Industry Licensing and Branding Act of 2011, which continued to shape industry governance.
Despite these advancements, the minister highlighted that the existing laws have become limiting and outdated, as they fail to satisfactorily meet the needs of both landowners and industry operators. Key stakeholder concerns have emerged, including inadequate representation of landowners, rigid licensing structures, difficulties in log pricing adjustments, unclear distribution of revenue, and jurisdictional conflicts between FHCL and the iTaukei Land Trust Board.
Bainivalu underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reform to mitigate these challenges, advocating for justice, clarity, and sustainability within the sector. The Mahogany Bill 2025 aims to modernize the industry, enhance governance frameworks, improve equity for landowners, and establish a more transparent and efficient system of licensing and oversight. This legislative initiative is expected to rejuvenate Fiji’s mahogany sector, ensuring long-term viability and benefiting all stakeholders involved.