Fiji is set to modernize its forestry sector with the introduction of the Forest Bill of 2025, marking the first significant revision of the country’s forestry laws in over three decades. The bill, currently undergoing its second round of public consultation, is designed to replace the Forest Bill of 1992 and reflects a broader commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, and climate resilience.
Forestry Minister Alitia Banivalu emphasized the comprehensive nature of the proposed legislation, which has been formulated with technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank. According to Minister Banivalu, the bill recognizes forests not only as economic assets but also as essential components of Fiji’s cultural heritage, ecological balance, and community livelihoods.
“Our forests are not just natural resources; they are fundamental to our way of life,” she stated. “This bill introduces an integrated framework for forest governance, focusing on sustainability, community rights, and environmental accountability.”
If approved by parliament later this year, the new framework will significantly strengthen forest governance in the country by introducing stricter regulations on logging and harvesting, enhancing transparency in resource allocation, and promoting fair economic growth. The legislation aims to balance development with ecological stewardship, ensuring that Fijian forests can continue to provide value for future generations.
The timing of the bill coincides with renewed international interest in Fijian hardwoods. Recently, the United Kingdom has expressed a desire to expand its importation of high-quality Fijian mahogany. British High Commissioner to Fiji, Dr. Brian Jones, talked about the historical importance and economic potential of these resources. He explained that the plantation of mahogany trees began shortly after Fiji’s independence in 1970, and many of these forests are now reaching commercial maturity.
“There are currently 14 mature mahogany plantations across Fiji,” Dr. Jones said. “The global demand for this premium timber is strong, and there is a real opportunity for local landowners to tap into lucrative European markets.”
Currently, the Fiji Hardwood Corporation Ltd. (FHCL) manages over 75,000 hectares of mahogany plantations nationwide and exports more than 38,000 cubic meters of timber annually. With increased demand and support for upgrading processing facilities, stakeholders believe that production levels could rise substantially.
In parallel with national reforms, Fiji is also collaborating with several neighboring Pacific Island nations—Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu—to develop a regional approach to forest management. This initiative, known as the Pan-Pacific Standard for Sustainable Forest Management, aims to set a shared benchmark for best practices in forestry across the region.
The goal of the standard is twofold: to safeguard approximately two million hectares of tropical forest and to create a “green lane” for certified timber products to enter global markets more easily. This would potentially unlock over AU$1 billion in trade opportunities across the Asia-Pacific, offering long-term economic and environmental benefits.
The development of this regional certification framework reflects a growing understanding among Pacific nations that collective action is vital for protecting shared natural resources. It also aligns with international market trends, where consumers and businesses increasingly demand sustainably sourced products.
As the Forest Bill of 2025 moves closer to legislative approval, it signals a new chapter in Fiji’s environmental governance. The bill represents a progressive step toward aligning forestry practices with global sustainability standards while empowering local communities and contributing to national economic resilience. Through regional cooperation and a renewed legal framework, Fiji is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable forest management in the South Pacific.
