Fiji’s sandalwood industry is experiencing remarkable growth, marked by exports exceeding 150,000 kilograms between 2010 and 2022, yielding an impressive $F12 million. This promising development was underscored by Alitia Bainivalu, the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, during a recent parliamentary session. She emphasized that sandalwood, locally known as yasi, remains a crucial non-timber forest product for the nation.
Bainivalu highlighted that local communities and private landowners have successfully cultivated over 2,000 hectares of sandalwood, with growing interest from the public contributing to this expansion annually. Innovations in cultivation techniques have made sandalwood more viable for integrated farming alongside various crops, significantly enhancing its sustainability and profitability.
In addition to sandalwood, the Minister noted the rising interest in other non-timber forest products such as bamboo, candlenut, and agarwood. Bamboo, in particular, is gaining popularity due to its versatility and rapid growth, positioning it as an eco-friendly choice for construction and crafts. Moreover, natural oils from candlenut and dilo are increasingly in demand within the cosmetics industry, creating additional economic opportunities for rural communities.
Despite this positive momentum, Bainivalu identified some significant challenges hindering the full potential of non-timber forest products. The lack of a national inventory and inadequate processing facilities are notable obstacles. To ensure sustainable product management and effective marketing, there is a pressing need for stronger policy frameworks and enhanced community engagement strategies.
Market potential for these products remains strong, with sandalwood oil currently valued at up to $US2,000 per kilogram, while agarwood can fetch up to $US10,000 per kilogram when properly developed. Such lucrative prospects offer hope for the future of Fiji’s non-timber forest sector.
The Ministry of Forestry is dedicated to further strengthening this industry by expanding its focus on non-timber forest products alongside traditional timber varieties. The existing legislative framework, which currently provides minimal attention to non-timber forest products, is under review, with plans to unveil a new Forest Bill by November 2025. This proactive and strategic approach signals a hopeful future for the sandalwood industry and other non-timber forest products in Fiji, reinforcing alignment with global sustainability trends and enhancing local livelihoods.