FHCL Concludes Environmental Consultations in Pursuit of FSC Certification

Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited (FHCL) has successfully concluded its Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification consultations, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward achieving internationally recognized certification.

The visit, Mr. Dranibaka’s first to the Northern Division this year, highlighted the momentum being built across the organization. The Seaqaqa team, with nearly 15 dedicated members, has been playing a key role in helping FHCL meet its
production goals, standing out as one of the stations delivering consistent and high-quality output.

The final consultation was held in Lodoni Village for the Sawakasa landowners in Viti Levu, completing a nationwide series that began in the Northern Division. The FHCL team, accompanied by certified environmental consultants and led by Operations Manager Manasa Luvunakoro, engaged directly with landowners and community representatives from all of the company’s leased forest areas.

FHCL General Manager Semi Dranibaka expressed satisfaction with the high level of engagement from landowners throughout the consultation period. “The support we’ve received from landowners has been encouraging,” he said. “Their consistent participation reflects trust in the process and a shared commitment to sustainable forestry.”

He also emphasized that all feedback and responses from mahogany landowners have been carefully documented and will inform the development of a stronger, more responsive framework for addressing landowner concerns.

Dranibaka reaffirmed FHCL’s target to attain FSC certification by the end of 2025 or early 2026. He noted that certification would not only enhance the market value of Fijian mahogany and improve access to international markets but would also serve as a transformative force within the company.

“FSC certification will raise the bar for how we manage our operations,” he said. “It will introduce robust, internationally aligned standards that will streamline our internal systems, improve transparency, and strengthen our accountability across all levels. Ultimately, this will position FHCL to operate more efficiently, respond more effectively to stakeholder needs, and deliver higher long-term value to our landowners and partners.”

With this phase completed, the environmental consultants will now compile and submit four detailed reports to the Department of Environment. These reports will undergo government review as part of the evaluation process to determine FHCL’s eligibility for certification.

FHCL views FSC certification as a strategic step forward, enhancing environmental safeguards, improving governance, and delivering meaningful long-term benefits for both the company and its landowning communities.

Next week, FHCL will return to the Northern Division to conduct Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) consultations. This process will provide landowners with a formal platform to express their views and to grant or withhold consent regarding the use of their land.

As FHCL moves closer to its certification goals, it remains deeply committed to strengthening partnerships with landowners and advancing responsible forestry practices that support both community well-being and national development.