Minister Bainivalu Announces Major Forestry Initiatives at Bua Provincial Council Meeting
The Bua Province, a significant contributor in the forestry sector to Fiji’s economic development, is set to witness a surge in forestry activities,following the largest budget allocation ever for the Ministry of Forestry.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Honourable Alitia Bainivalu, at the Bua Provincial Council Meeting held in Nabouwalu.
In her statement, Minister Bainivalu highlighted the crucial role Bua Province plays in Fiji’s forestry sector. Currently, the province holds 10 active forest harvesting license, with Fiji Pine Limited being the 11th, alongside five (5) operational sawmills and the Fiji Pine Limited Chip Mill. This makes Bua Province the leading region in Fiji in terms of forest operations.
"For the first time, the Ministry of Forestry has been allocated its largest budget ever, totaling $31.4 million for the 2024-2025 financial year. This marks a 40% increase from the 2023-2024 financial year," Minister Bainivalu announced.
The substantial budget increase aims to enhance services and revive revenue sources within the forestry sector in Fiji. The Ministry plans to collaborate closely with resource owners on nursery and reforestation programs as well as sawmill operations to maximize benefits and returns on investment.
Minister Bainivalu outlined several key initiatives for the 2024-2025 financial year:
1. Promoting Yasi (Sandalwood) Planting: Funded through a grant from the Government of China via APFNET, this initiative aims to encourage the cultivation of Yasi in the province.
2. Reforestation of Degraded Forest (RDF) Program: The budget for the RDF program for the next financial year will be $2.5 million. Minister Bainivalu urged community participation in forest restoration efforts, citing ongoing projects in Kavula, Banikeya, Nasavu, and Navunievu, as well as replanting efforts by Dreketi based Xingfa Company and Fiji Pine Limited.
3. Combating Illegal Logging: Emphasis was placed on collaborative efforts to prevent illegal logging, which undermines the benefits for landowning units.
Apart from Government funded programmes, there will be several externally funded investments in green development projects to support the Look North and Grow North initiative.
“Let us join hands to ensure sustainable forestry practices and the prosperity of our province,” Minister Bainivalu concluded.
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