Trends

The trend in forest management during the past 30 years has been to establish a significant plantation estate as a substitute to natural forests. Fiji now has a significant plantation estate, much of which is presently approaching maturity. The plantations are expected to provide an important alternative to natural forest harvesting. Fiji has shown significant commitment to the achievement of sustainable forest management and is moving slowly towards certification.

Promotion of sustainable forest management

A variety of projects and programmes in support of sustainable forest management have been implemented in Fiji, many of which are derived from the National Forestry Action Plan of 1990. A key initiative has been the development of the National Code of Logging Practice, introduced in 1990, and subsequently supported by the Forest Resource Tactical Planning Project. Both of these initiatives, and the Forestry Decree of 1992, have contributed significantly to achieving sustainable forest management. The Natural Forest Management pilot project is implementing reduced impact logging techniques on 6 000 hectares of natural forest. Permanent sample plots have been established to monitor the growth of various treatments and management regimes. A ban on circular sawmills and the introduction of bandmills in 1997, helped boost recovery rates and strengthen incentives for good management.

Due to the prevalence of customary ownership of land, education and awareness programs are vital. Consequently, forestry extension services have a large role in promoting sustainable forest management, proving awareness workshops on promoting sustainable forest management and disseminating information on SFM continually through radio and TV interviews and newspaper columns. This outreach has been complimented by an ITTO project on Landowner Training and Education for Sustainable Forest Management.

last updated: Friday, May 13, 2005