A Fijian forest project, dubbed the Maritime Pine Project, is delivering economic and infrastructure benefits to remote communities in Kadavu and Gau, according to government figures presented to Fijian Parliament today.
Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu told MPs that the program has channelled $1.53 million directly to around 1,500 landowners, funds she said have been spent on home construction, school fees, small businesses, and village improvements. The payments follow a $16 million government commitment to planting programs and transport subsidies designed to connect island harvests with mainland markets.
“Transport support has been pivotal,” Bainivalu said. “Since the project began 26 barge voyages have carried 24,000 tonnes of pine to Lautoka, converting long-delayed harvests into immediate cash for families and enabling previously stranded timber to reach buyers.”
New access roads in Kadavu and storage yards at Vunisea and Narocake are now servicing more than 1,400 people, officials said. The ministry has also signalled plans to harvest jetties at Ono in Kadavu and at Lakeba in Lau to speed up loading and reduce handling costs.
It comes as officials report that some 26,000 seedlings have been planted across 22 hectares, with youth groups and sporting clubs joining the replanting efforts. Bainivalu highlighted local reinvestment of forestry earnings, citing the Kadavu Rugby Union’s use of proceeds to support its 2026 Skipper Cup campaign.
Opposition MP Semi Koroilavesau, whose electorate includes affected communities, welcomed the initiative as the fruition of a decades‑old “green gold” vision. Koroilavesau, chair of the Yawe Pine Scheme, told Parliament that the transport subsidy has enabled communities to move two recent barge consignments, totalling 2,000 tonnes, and begin local infrastructure projects, such as roads and a wharf.
Government officials said the program’s next phase will focus on completing planned jetties, upgrading storage and handling facilities, and scaling planting and transport support so more island communities can access national markets. They argued that those steps are necessary to turn temporary cash flows into sustained income streams.
