Fiji Launches Inception Workshop for New Planted Forests Policy
Today marks a significant milestone in Fiji's forestry sector as the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Honourable Alitia Bainivalu inaugurated the Inception Workshop funded under the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) and aimed at developing a new Planted Forests Policy.
Held at the Tanoa Hotel in Suva, this two-day workshop brings together stakeholders from Government agencies, Non- Government organisations, Forest Industries, Private sector, Academia, Forestry Professionals and local communities to refine and finalise a comprehensive policy framework for the sustainable management of planted forests in Fiji.
A Policy that works in the best interest of the forests, the environment, the investments and the people of Fiji at large.
In her opening address, Hon. Bainivalu highlighted the pivotal role of Fiji's Forestry sector in the nation's economic, social, and environmental landscape.
Covering approximately 1.1 million hectares or 60% of the country's land area, Fiji's forests comprise a mix of natural forests and plantation resources, the latter managed predominantly by Fiji Pine Limited (FPL) and Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited (FHCL).
Smaller plantation developments, including Teak, Eucalyptus and Acacia plantations, are also envisaged to contribute to the sector's growth.
"The Planted Forests Policy will be instrumental in fostering sustainable forest management, addressing environmental challenges, and contributing to Fiji's socio-economic development," Hon. Bainivalu said.
She added that the policy must reflect a shared vision and goals by the government and all stakeholders.
The workshop underscores the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Forestry and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to update and align the draft Planted Forests Policy with national and international commitments, including the National Development Plan, the Fiji REDD+ Policy as well as the Paris Agreement.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach, possibly through a National Coordinating Committee or a Plantation Development Board, to align actions towards national goals. The policy will also introduce a robust framework for monitoring, reporting, and verifying the sustainability of plantation resources.
As the workshop progresses, participants are expected to engage actively in discussions, share insights and collaborate towards the shared vision of sustainable forest management.
The Ministry of Forestry is confident that the outcomes of this workshop will lay a strong foundation for the new Planted Forests Policy, ensuring the sustainable development of Fiji's forestry sector in a changing environment and for future generations.
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