The forestry and logging industry contributed $34.1 million (0.4 per cent) to Fiji’s real GDP in 2021 out of a total $8.4 billion.
This, according to the annual report of the then Ministry of Forestry for August 2021 to July 2022 tabled in Parliament last week.
The forestry and logging industry was one of only five industries that grew in a COVID-19 era despite being affected by tropical cyclones.
“However, it is essential to note that forestry work goes beyond the raising of seedlings, tree planting and harvesting of trees,” the report stated.
“The forestry sector, in totality, also contributes to the growth of many other industries, such as the manufacturing industry.
“The combined forest-related activities within the forestry sector contributed $162.5m (1.9 per cent) to the national GDP by the end of 2021.
“The significant contribution of $55.3m was from the saw milling and planing of wood activity, followed by the forestry and logging industry, which contributed $34.1m.”
The report stated Fiji’s forest areas cover about 1.1m hectares of Fiji’s landmass and this equated to 60 per cent of the land area.
“Of this 1.1 million ha, natural forests account for 82.3 per cent, softwood plantations account for 7.4 per cent, hardwood plantations account for 6.2 per cent and mangrove forests account for 4.1 per cent.”
