Press Release Detail

Beautiful is the only way to describe the partnership Toralf Dittmann has with nature. Originally from Germany, Mr. Dittmann has invested more than FJD 50 million in developing commercial agroforestry operations in remote areas of Fiji.

Beautiful which translates to Totoka in the iTaukei language “characterises our vision that commercial value generation and natural beauty should not contradict but instead support each other and is also the name of our company”.

TOTOKA ISLANDS started its Agroforestry initiative in 2012.  The initiative was inspired by a holistic and integrated approach to property development that works with nature instead of against it. This approach allows for diverse types of land use that support and reinforce each other instead of being exclusive.

According to Mr. Dittmann, “the decision to invest in Fiji was based on favourable economic conditions, a reliable legal framework, and the availability of freehold land. I would like to thank the Fijian Government for the support over the years. We have also received valuable advice from the Ministry of Forestry which helped to start our reforestation efforts. In particular we have benefitted from being able to purchase large quantities of high-quality seeds from the Ministry that has in-turn accelerated our reforestation initiative”.

This investment supports the Fijian Government’s 30 Million Trees in 15 Years Initiative (30MT15Y), adds value to forest landscape restoration, provides employment and green recovery with long term nature-based solutions which improves the environment and envisages economic growth.

TOTOKA ISLANDS Agroforestry

TOTOKA ISLANDS has to date planted 170,000 trees on its 65 hectares of property in Viti Levu of which 85,000 are Mahogany, 50,000 Teak and 35,000 mixed indigenous trees. The properties in Viti Levu are now fully planted. TOTOKA ISLANDS’ properties in Vanua Levu have some deforested patches which will be reforested in the coming years. 

All the trees planted by TOTOKA ISLANDS is added to Fiji’s national tally for the 30MT15Y initiative.

Mr. Dittmann further added that “because of the fact that we are able to attract highly talented and ambitious employees, we operate with 100% Fijian staff including management. For us as investors, the Fijian culture with its high ethical standards and positive mind-set, creates ideal conditions for our sustainable integrated developments”.

TOTOKA ISLANDS employs 30 people.

The key component of reforestation and agroforestry is grass control by grazing animals. TOTOKA ISLANDS keeps around 50 horses divided into several herds on its plantations .

Solar Power Plants

In keeping with the vision to work sustainably with nature, except for transport TOTOKA ISLANDS runs all of its operations on 100% solar energy. Currently, 110kW of solar power are being generated by 5 solar power plants. As soon as fully electric utility vehicles become available in Fiji, the company will convert its entire fleet.

Ministry promotes Agroforestry

Agroforestry’s main goal is to combine both modern and traditional land-use systems where trees are managed together with crops or animal production. Agroforestry, therefore, is defined as an agricultural system that involves the interaction of trees, shrubs, and agriculture where they are designed and managed as a whole unit.

In other words, it is the land use management practice of combining both forestry and agriculture, with the objective of not only improving crop productivity but also increasing biodiversity and soil fertility while reducing soil erosion.

Permanent Secretary for Forestry, Pene Baleinabuli said “Agroforestry bridges the gap that often separates agriculture and forestry by building integrated systems that address both environment and socio-economic objectives. Agroforestry can also improve the resiliency of agriculture systems and mitigate the impacts of Climate Change”.

In agroforestry, the ecological function of trees, crops, and animals can increase food production while at the same time reducing the impact of agriculture on the environment.

Agroforestry therefore is a sustainable farming method that is Totoka Dina, beautiful indeed.