Practices

At present, there is little or no management of indigenous forests except during the period when an area is being logged. Logging is generally carried out under a selection system, after which management responsibility reverts to the landowners. Experience shows that if logged-over forest is left undisturbed for 20 years it can be cut again. Often, however, logged forest has been converted to agricultural usage. A Natural Forest Management pilot project is in place. Currently, reforestation activities are carried out by landowners with the support of the Department of Forestry and the Fiji Hardwood Corporation, while the Fiji Pine Ltd is involved in afforestation activities. Approximately 50 800 hectares of hardwood plantations, mainly Swietenia macrophylla, have been planted at 9x4 metre spacings. No pruning or thinning is carried out and rotations are 30-35 years. Around 42 000 hectares of Pinus caribaea have been planted. Seedlings are planted at densities of 1 000-1 500 stems per hectare. On high quality sites, pruning to 6 metres is carried out for sawlog production. Pinus caribaea is presently grown on rotations of around 20 years.

Towards promoting sustainable forest management, a Silvicultural Research Program was created by the Department of Forestry. It consists of six subprograms: seed production, nursery practice, tree improvement, management & silviculture, natural forests and forest health. Improved research is expected to identify appropriate propagating methods for native species, maximize benefits from local species through tree improvement, and improve management of natural and plantation forests through the application of appropriate technology.

Forest conservation measures

Fiji¿s protected areas comprise a range of forest and nature reserves covering more than 37 000 hectares. Nature reserves provide full protection to flora, fauna, soil and water resources. Conversely, forest reserves provide only a limited degree of protection status. Activities in these forests are restricted by a requirement to obtain written consent from the Conservator of Forests. Several other communally-operated parks have been established. Environmental management is being integrated into planning and development processes to safeguard the environment and its regeneration capacity. A National Environment Working Group was established to formulate a national environmental strategy covering environmental protection and natural resources management. The Department of Environment is presently developing multi-sectoral legislation to support sustainable development and a Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan for Fiji. The Department of Forestry is also working on proposed conservation areas such as the Sovi Basin Biodiversity area on Vitu Levu and the Vunvia Catchments area in Dogotuki, Vanua Levu where consultation processes are taking place with members of the landowning units.

Forest protection measures

Cyclones are a frequent occurrence in Fiji, with the country being struck by 21 cyclones between 1980 and 1997. Detailed records of plantation damage were kept for several cyclones, but others were equally destructive. For example, Cyclone Kina in 1992 damaged almost 12 000 hectares of plantations, of which 3 000 hectares were written off. More than 7 000 hectares were rehabilitated by firming or propping and the remainder was partially rehabilitated. Thus, wind firmness is an important property in plantation species selection. Wildfires cause significant losses as well. Escapes from burning of sugar cane are a major source of forest fires. In 1989, almost 1 000 hectares of plantation were burned in a wildfire. Fiji Pine Ltd has a programme of prescribed burning, particularly in stands adjacent to sugar cane fields, to reduce wildfire damage. Two insects, ambrosia beetles (Crossotarsus externedentatus) and subterranean termites (Neotermes samoanus) have caused concern in Swietenia macrophylla plantations. Attacks by ambrosia beetles caused planting to be suspended in 1972, but improved management appears to be effectively managing the problem. Biological control of subterranean termites through the application of entomophilic nematodes have shown significant promise.

Forest harvesting practices

It is estimated that around 150 000 hectares of natural forest has been systematically harvested in Fiji. Logging is based on a selection system, but without any post-logging silvicultural treatment. The selection system utilized in Fiji generally operates on a 20-year cutting cycle. Often, however, heavily logged forests have been converted to other uses. Natural forest management based on reduced impact logging is presently being implemented in a 6 000 hectare pilot project (Natural Forest Management pilot project). To harvest timber on native land, a Forestry Right License is required under law. These are negotiated through the Native Lands Trust Board. There are four categories of tenure for timber cutting rights in the natural forests:

  • Timber concessions (30 year period)
  • Long term licenses (10 years)
  • Annual licenses
  • Other licences (usually for land clearing and fuelwood)
last updated: Tuesday, November 24, 2009