The Fiji Mahogany Trust has introduced its Six-Year Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, marking a significant advancement in the country’s forestry sector with a renewed focus on sustainable practices within the mahogany industry. The plan’s launch was led by Alitia Bainivalu, Fiji’s Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, who emphasized the essential role landowners play in shaping the industry’s future.
Minister Bainivalu stated that the long-term success of the mahogany sector relies on genuine collaboration among government bodies, industry players, and landowners. She noted the current challenges faced by Fiji’s forestry sector, which include economic instability and rising social and environmental demands, as well as a projected global timber shortage over the next half-century.
The strategic plan recognizes Fiji’s long-rotation plantation resources, particularly mahogany, as valuable global assets that require responsible and transparent management. After over 20 years of growth, the mahogany industry has developed robust institutions, improved harvesting practices, and generated significant revenue.
This new strategic initiative aims to cultivate a culture of transparency, accountability, and sustainable governance, shifting the emphasis from sheer production volume to value-oriented practices. This focus on quality management aims to position Fiji’s mahogany in premium markets, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience.
Additionally, the plan underlines the necessity of actively involving landowners, as their participation is vital for fostering social and economic development within local communities. This inclusive approach is set not only to enhance the mahogany industry but also to positively impact Fiji’s broader socio-economic landscape, promising a more sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders involved.