The responsible management of Fiji’s forest resources is entering a phase in which its proper management and economic contribution must align to ensure its sustainability.
The ongoing commitment is reflected in the Ministry of Forestry’s 2022-2023 annual report debated in Parliament during the August sitting.
The report highlights the forestry industry’s impact on the economy with an estimated $140million contribution to Fiji’s economy in 2022 from the combined efforts of the logging industry and downstream industries dependent on the sector.
Ministry of Forests 2022-2023 Annual Report
Presenting the report, Standing Committee on Natural Resources chairperson Tomasi Tunabuna said the ministry had achieved significant milestones during the 2022-2023 period.
“Most notably, the progress made in the 30 million trees in 15 years, a 30MT15Y program,” he said.
“The ministry successfully planted 4.8 million seedlings during the year, bringing the cumulative total to 19.9m seedlings planted across 17,200 hectares, exceeding 60 per cent of the overall target, well ahead of schedule.
“Furthermore, the ministry’s budget increased by 28 per cent this particular year, which facilitated an expansion of its forestry initiative.”
Mr Tunabuna said this financial boost was reflected in record high export revenues from forest products, the highest the sector has been in over decades, thereby contributing positively to the national economy.
Mr Tunabuna, now the Agriculture Minister, said while there were notable positive developments within the agency during this period, there was still a need for accountability.
“Despite these accomplishments, the committee identified challenges that required urgent attention.
“Notably, there were missing pages in the ministry’s financial statements covering August 2022 to July 2023, which hindered a full and comprehensive financial assessment.
“Additionally, while the ministry achieved 72 per cent of its planned operational deliverables, there remained a need to improve planning and execution to fully meet or exceed annual targets in the future.”
Mr Tunabuna also highlighted the review process of the Forest Act 1992.
“The committee also noted that the draft review of the Forest Act 1992 is currently under legal scrutiny by the Solicitor-General’s office, and we emphasise the importance of completing and implementing this legislative report promptly to ensure modern, effective forest governance.
“Moreover, we encourage the swift finalisation and parliamentary consideration of the reviewed Forest Act alongside necessary supporting regulations to provide a robust legal framework for sustainable forestry management.”
Forestry Minister Alitia Bainivalu
At the helm of these changes is Forestry Minister Alitia Bainivalu, who supported the committee’s report and its recommendations, vowing to continue the work needed to maintain the ministry’s growing impact on the country’s economy.
In her response on August 4, she said the responsible management of Fiji’s forest resources not only supported livelihood through forest-based industries but also preserved biodiversity and contributed significantly to the country’s international climate commitments. She highlighted the national tree planting program.
“Now entering its sixth year, this program continues to make commendable progress towards Fiji’s goal of planting 30 million trees over 15 years.
“With support from diverse stakeholders, including landowning units, youth and women’s groups, industries, civil society, faith-based organisations and government agencies, more than 19 million trees and mangroves have been planted across more than 16,500 hectares.
Notably, 4.8 million trees were planted during the 2022-2023 period alone.
The forestry and logging industry contributed $31.1m in 2022, accounting for 0.3 per cent of GDP.
“However, it is important to note that forestry’s full economic value extends beyond log production to include value-added manufacturing and downstream industries, and on this basis, total contribution was estimated at around $140.4m, accounting for about 1.4 per cent of GDP.”
Garnering support from Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and Opposition MP Vijay Nath, Ms Bainivalu said the agency’s climate mitigation efforts were equally important as their economic achievements.
Climate mitigation
“In the area of climate change mitigation and carbon market strategy, in May of 2023, the ministry hosted the inaugural Carbon Market Strategy Consultation, supported by the Australian Government and the Carbon Market Institute, the consultation, which was attended by a wide array of stakeholders, helped chart Fiji’s roadmap for carbon trading.
“In the REDD+ Programme and advancements following the 2021 Emission Reduction Programme Agreement, the ministry developed a draft operational menu and completed its natural forest inventory fieldwork and sample collection.
“Twenty land use plans were prepared in partnership with the iTaukei Land Trust Board, half of which were in the Northern Division.”
She cited the ministry’s continued partnership with the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN) to restore dry forests in the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands.
“Over 500 hectares requiring restoration or allocated by local communities in Malolo and Naviti, and 496 community representatives, received training in forest restoration and alternative livelihoods.”
After outlining their past achievements, Ms Bainivalu reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to sustainable forest management.
“We will continue working hand in hand with the landowners, communities, civil society and our development partners to preserve and enhance the forests of Fiji for the wellbeing of our people and the prosperity of future generations.”