Fiji Hardwood general manager Semi Dranibaka has spoken about the company’s strong relationship with landowners and the benefits from their mahogany plantations.
“We want to see that landowners get maximum benefit out of the operations of Fiji Hardwood,” he said.
Mr Dranibaka recalled how in the 1960s to 1980s, landowners leased their land to Fiji Hardwood with a promise that they would eventually benefit from valuable mahogany trees.
Today, the mahogany trees are ready to be harvested, bringing benefits to the current generation of landowners.
Mr Dranibaka said Fiji Hardwood continued to pay land leases and additional fees called stumpage for the harvested mahogany.
Landowners also receive various payments and are involved in different parts of the operations.
Fiji Hardwood also involves landowners in their business by offering contracts for planting and maintaining the mahogany trees.
Landowners are encouraged to form their own companies and take part in harvesting activities with Fiji Hardwood. The use of portable sawmills by landowners has led to the creation of small and medium-sized businesses, further helping the community.
While the collaboration has been successful, Mr Dranibaka acknowledged that more could be done.
He suggested that working with other sectors to provide facilities, training and investment could greatly improve the landowners’ business involvement.
Mr Dranibaka concluded by reaffirming Fiji Hardwood’s commitment to ensuring landowners benefit from the company’s operations.
