$1.5M paid to Kadavu and Gau landowners through pine project

The Government has turned its focus to the forestry-rich islands of Kadavu and Gau, investing heavily in pine development to unlock the economic potential of these resource-rich communities.

Through the Maritime Pine Project, more than $1.53 million has been paid directly to landowners, creating jobs and small businesses in areas that were once left out of Fiji’s main forestry industry.

Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu told Parliament on Tuesday that the project is transforming lives by giving landowners real income and ownership over their natural resources.

“The Maritime Pine Project is not just about trees, it’s about empowering our people,” Ms Bainivalu said.

She said the funds have already benefited around 1500 people, including:

• $570,000 to Muani, Kadavu;
• $457,000 to Solodamu, Kadavu;
• $39,000 to Namalata, Kadavu; and
• $464,000 to Narocake, Gau

The money has been used by villagers to build homes, pay school fees, start small enterprises, and improve community infrastructure.

Ms Bainivalu said the Government’s decision to focus on Kadavu and Gau was driven by the islands’ large pine plantations and long-neglected forestry potential, which had been difficult to access due to transport and market barriers.

“For decades, our maritime regions were isolated from the same opportunities enjoyed by others. This project brings them into the national economy,” she said.

The initiative brings together a strong partnership between the Fiji Pine Trust, Fiji Pine Group of Companies, iTaukei Land Trust Board, and several government ministries including Rural and Maritime Development, Environment and Climate Change, and Lands and Mineral Resources.

Since the project began, the Government had invested $16 million under the Ministry of Forestry’s budget to support pine harvesting, replanting, and barge subsidies to transport timber to the mainland.

Ms Bainivalu said the Maritime Pine Project was a “living example” of how collaboration between government, landowners, and the private sector can deliver sustainable development to the outer islands.

Meanwhile, Opposition MP Semi Koroilavesau welcomed the initiative, saying it finally helps maritime communities realise the value of their pine plantations, long referred to as “green gold.”

He said for years, pine forests in Kadavu, Gau, and Lau matured without benefit to the people because of high shipping costs and poor infrastructure.

“With this project, their dreams have been realised. Without it, the pine trees would have been destroyed by bushfires or cyclones,” Mr Koroilavesau said.

He added that the success in Kadavu and Gau should inspire further expansion to Lakeba in the Lau Group, where pine resources have also been under-utilised for decades.

Ms Bainivalu assured Parliament that the government will continue to strengthen the project so that no maritime island is left behind in Fiji’s forestry development journey.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj