Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says because bamboo grows “incredibly fast compared to trees”, it can generate quicker economic returns in comparison to well-established timber trees such as pine, mahogany and native trees which take decades to mature.

“Bamboo is one of the six species groups that our ministry is researching for economic, social and environmental benefits to promote and maintain the short and long-term relevance of the forestry sector including agar wood, beach mahogany or dilo, candlenut or sikeci, coconut and sandalwood,” he said in Parliament this week.

“Besides the regular wood products from these trees, numerous non-wood forest products from these trees include biofuel, medicinal and fragrant oils and other high value products that may be collected and processed within three years of being planted.

“As they are not necessarily felled for wood and timber products, these trees can also be a part of Fiji’s carbon trade thus providing additional income to those that chose to grow them.”