A Path to Inclusive Growth: The Review of the Mahogany Industry

The General Manager for Fiji Hardwood, Mr. Dranibaka, recently shared insights into the review of the mahogany industry in Fiji. In December 2023, Government approved the review of Fiji’s mahogany industry by an inter-Ministry taskforce including key private sector stakeholders and professionals from forestry sector.

The review will consider Fiji’s mahogany legislations, institutional frameworks, financial support, marketing and viability. The Taskforce will then submit its recommendations to Cabinet who will then make appropriate decisions on the review of the mahogany industry.

Mr. Dranibaka highlighted that Fiji’s mahogany industry is currently governed under the Mahogany Industries Development Act 2010 and its 2014 amendment, which have played crucial roles in shaping the mahogany sector in the past. The Mahogany Industry Council, according to Mr. Dranibaka, has been instrumental in overseeing the management of plantation mahogany, while the Fiji Mahogany Trust has focused on safeguarding the interests of mahogany landowners.

He stated that the current government has initiated a comprehensive review of the industry to identify gaps and address growth in the industry that could enable Fiji’s mahogany to be competitive in the international market. He added that the review report, could lead to significant revisions of the legislation that governs the mahogany industry.

The General Manager emphasized the government’s goal of creating a legislative framework that not only retains the strengths of the current act but also opens up the industry to ensure broader benefits for all stakeholders. He expressed hope that the revised legislation would provide a balanced approach, benefiting landowners, the government, and businesses alike.

In Mr. Dranibaka’s view, the government is seeking to create a win-win situation that would allow all parties involved to share in the prosperity of the mahogany industry. The potential changes, he suggested, could lead to a more inclusive and dynamic future for the sector.