There have been major discussions surrounding the illegal harvesting of our trees, sustainable practices and overloading in Fiji’s timber industry, much of which have over the years not been recorded.
This was highlighted by the Permanent Secretary for Forests, Pene Baleinabuli during the consultation workshop for Forestry Stakeholders at the Tanoa Skylodge Hotel in Nadi.
He says forestry continues to contribute significantly to the economy however all the activities are not recorded legally.
Baleinabuli says despite much efforts being put forward towards monitoring, various players have continued to allow for leakages within the forestry sector which continue to be reflected negatively on economic charts.
The consultations will allow various players whether millers, loggers, forests owners, landowners, saw millers, timber manufacturers and researchers to come together and chart a way forward for the industry.
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