BRITISH American Tobacco Fiji (BAT) will support the planting of about six hectares of pine and mahogany forests annually under a five-year partnership with Fiji Hardwood Corporation Ltd (FHCL), as the two companies strengthen efforts to replenish Fiji’s plantation forests.
The agreement was formalised through a memorandum of understanding yesterday, which will see BAT grow seedlings at its Nadi greenhouses, while FHCL supplies the seeds and manages planting and forest maintenance.
BAT general manager James Goldring said the partnership would build on the company’s existing sustainability programs and support the long-term availability of forest resources.
“Forests play an important role in providing biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem health and protecting natural resources,” he said.
Mr Goldring said the initiative would complement BAT Fiji’s Project Green End launched in 2023, which promotes the use of sustainably sourced wood fuel for tobacco curing, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
He said it would also expand the company’s Grow Plus program, which supports farmers and communities through income generation and food security initiatives.
FHCL chief executive officer Semi Dranibaka said the partnership would support responsible plantation management and the company’s efforts to achieve forest certification by 2027.
Mr Dranibaka highlighted that FHCL had replanted more than 500 hectares of harvested mahogany plantations since 2021, with further replanting planned.
“It is about ensuring that our forest resources continue to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits for Fiji while reinforcing our shared responsibility as custodians of our natural assets entrusted to us,” he said.
He said the partnership would help maintain forest resources while supporting economic, social and environmental benefits for Fiji.
