A $2.5MILLION boost for Kadavu’s pine industry is part of a push to make forests a bigger driver of Fiji’s economy.
Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu announced the funding alongside the opening of a 100,000-capacity pine nursery during International Day of Forests celebrations in Vunisea.
The investment will support reforestation and ensure a steady supply of seedlings for logged and new areas across the island.
Ms Bainivalu said the move signalled a shift in how forests are valued — not just as natural resources, but as drivers of income, jobs and rural development.
“Forests are not just trees. They are income, food, medicine, shelter, culture and climate security,” she said.
The minister said her tour of Kadavu showed communities were already leading in development, with projects ranging from new jetties and a forest road improving school access, to housing support and livelihood assistance.
“Kadavu is not waiting for development; Kadavu is driving it,” she said.
She said Government was focused on sustainable harvesting, replanting and strengthening the forestry value chain to ensure landowners receive better returns.
The broader goal, she said, was to build a forestry sector that is climate-smart, community-driven and economically empowering for future generations.
