The people of Muani Village in Tavuki, Kadavu, will soon receive their share of more than $800,000 following the transfer of their pine harvesting licence to Fiji Pine Limited.
Described as a ‘historic development’ for Muani and the maritime islands, Fiji Pine Limited – in collaboration with the Coalition Government – will partner with Burning Bush Pte Ltd in the harvest of pine, and Genesi Group of Companies for their barge services to transport pine logs from Kadavu to Lautoka.
Fiji Pine Group of Companies executive chairman Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure said the Muani Pine Scheme would realise the returns of approximately $800,000 from the harvest.
Muani Pine Scheme representative Uate Naua said this was a relief because it had been a long 40-year wait for the harvest to happen.
In a statement from Fiji Pine Ltd, Minister for Fisheries and Forests Kalaveti Ravu said the “remarkable achievement” was made possible through an agreement with the Fiji Pine Group of Companies to purchase all the pine that would be harvested.
He said the Coalition Government would ensure that support was given for the transportation of pine logs from maritime islands like Kadavu, adding this was part of “the beginning of a larger program”.
Fiji Pine Group has stated that with the Government subsidy provided, the company shall source maritime logs for its business sustainability and “will always be wary of environmental and social concerns in the village”.
Pine plantations were established by the Government of Fiji to generate economic activities in the rural and maritime areas utilising talasiga grasslands.
The Fiji Pine Group of Companies owns and manages six pine forests: Lololo Forest, Ra Forest, Nadi Forest and Nabou Forest in Viti Levu; and Bua and Macuata in Vanua Levu.