Minister for Forestry Alitia Bainivalu introduced the Mahogany Bill 2025 in Parliament yesterday, heralding it as a pivotal reform to Fiji’s mahogany laws, marking the most significant change in over a decade.
Bainivalu articulated that the bill encapsulates the collective insights and aspirations of a wide array of stakeholders including landowners, industry operators, statutory bodies, and government entities. She emphasized the critical role the mahogany industry plays in Fiji’s economy, contributing to rural livelihoods, export revenues, and fostering sustainable economic growth. However, she expressed concern that existing laws no longer meet the contemporary needs of the industry.
The minister presented the bill as a foundation for a more equitable, efficient, and sustainable mahogany sector, which acknowledges the interests of resource owners while facilitating broader economic opportunities for Fiji.
Tracing the development of mahogany legislation, Bainivalu recounted the establishment of the Fiji Mahogany Act in 2003, which created the Fiji Mahogany Trust, followed by the Mahogany Industry Development Act 2010 that established the Mahogany Industry Council, clearly defining the roles of the Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited (FHCL) and the Fiji Mahogany Trust. In 2011, the Mahogany Industry Licensing and Branding Act was adopted, continuing to govern licensing and branding frameworks.
Despite these advancements, Bainivalu pointed out that existing laws have become restrictive and outdated, failing to meet the needs of landowners and operators alike. She noted ongoing stakeholder concerns, highlighting issues such as insufficient landowner representation in decision-making processes, inflexible licensing structures, challenges in log pricing adjustments, confusion surrounding landowner revenue distribution, and jurisdiction conflicts between FHCL and the iTaukei Land Trust Board.
Bainivalu stressed the need for comprehensive reform to address these issues, advocating for clarity, justice, and sustainability in the sector. The Mahogany Bill 2025 aims to modernize the industry, enhance governance, improve equity for landowners, and establish a more transparent and efficient licensing and oversight system. This legislative effort is poised to rejuvenate the mahogany industry in Fiji, ensuring its future viability and the well-being of its stakeholders.