Fiji-China Partnership Launches $1M Sandalwood Sustainability Project
Fiji and China have launched the Fiji Sandalwood Sustainable Management Project, aimed at protecting the endangered Santalum Yasi species while promoting sustainable economic growth.
The project was officially launched at the Novotel Hotel in Lami today.
Funded by the Asia-Pacific Network of Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet), the initiative has secured nearly USD$1 million over three years, with plans to establish 65 hectares of sandalwood plantations.
The Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Hon. Alitia Bainivalu emphasized the cultural and economic significance of sandalwood, noting Fiji’s historic role in the global sandalwood trade.
“We have exported 164 tonnes of sandalwood in the last 12 years, earning over $11 million FJD,” Hon. Bainivalu said.
Director General of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) of China, Mr. Liu Keyong praised the collaboration, highlighting sandalwood’s economic and ecological importance.
“Sandalwood holds significant economic value and plays a key role in ecological protection,” Mr. Keyong said.
The partnership between China and Fiji is expected to establish sustainable plantations and ensure the long-term survival of the species. Local partners, including Huayi Bros Company Pte Fiji Limited and the Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute have also committed land for the project.
“This is just the beginning of a new industry for forestry in Fiji,” Hon. Bainivalu said.
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