THE 2025-2026 National Budget continues to support the national reforestation initiative with a total of $2.8million allocated specifically for the reforestation of degraded forests with indigenous and other species projects.
Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu told Parliament this was the ministry’s key investment in reversing forest degradation, restoring native biodiversity and progressing our goal to plant 30 million trees in 15 years.
“We have surpassed 60 per cent of this target with improved seedling survival rates and the ministry thanks the unwavering support of our partners and communities,” Ms Bainivalu said.
She said to support timber harvesting in our rural maritime communities, a total of $2.5m has been allocated under the Commercial Maritime Pine Subsidy Project.
“In partnership with Fiji Pine Ltd and Tropik Wood Industries, this initiative will empower communal pine landowners in maritime regions to commercially send their certified pine logs to Drasa Sawmill.
“This subsidy is designed to ease the operational challenges of timber harvesting in remote maritime areas by improving transportation, logistics, enhancing market access, stimulating economic activity and promoting sustainable forest-based livelihoods.”
She said the Fiji Pine Trust would receive $1.7m to deepen engagement with landowners and build technical expertise.
