Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697779912529.pdf (Fiji)
MINISTRY OF FORESTRY ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Parliamentary Paper No.
80 of 2021 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 1 of 78 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY ANNUAL REPORT For Period 01st Aug 2017 – 31st July 2018 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 2 of 78 REFERRAL LETTER Rear-Admiral (Ret’d) Honourable Josaia V. Bainimarama Prime Minister and Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Sugar Industry, Foreign Affairs and Forestry Office of the Prime Minister Suva Dear Sir, I am pleased to present to you the Annual Report of the Ministry of Forestry for the period 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018, for presentation to Parliament in accordance with the requirements of the Financial Management Act 2004.
Yours Sincerely, G. P. N. Baleinabuli Permanent Secretary for Forestry and Acting Permanent Secretary for Fisheries Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 3 of 78 Contents ACRONYM ........................................................................................................................................................... 5 PERMANENT SECRETARY’S FOREWORD ..................................................................................................... 6 AGENCY OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................................... 7 CORE BUSINESS ................................................................................................................................................... 7 CORPORATE PROFILE ......................................................................................................................................... 8 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................................................... 8 ORGANISATION STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................................... 9 FORESTRY PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS ............................................................................................... 10 BUDGET ALLOCATION AND EXPENDITURE ................................................................................................ 10 REPORT ON PERFORMANCE ......................................................................................................................... 11 PORTFOLIO LEADERSHIP, POLICY ADVICE & SECRETARIAT SUPPORT ............................................. 11 FOREST SECTOR DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................................. 14 GOVERNMENT SERVICES
 ................................................................................................................................. 17 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 4 of 78 ACRONYM CITES CSO CSOs EMA EPS FAO FCPF FFHCOP GWE HTMB JEE MOF MOU MRV NBSAP NFI PSP RDF REDD RL SDGs SDP SEG TPAF UNFCCC UNFF Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Clonal Seed Orchard Civil Society Organisations Environment Management Act Endangered and Protected Species Food Agriculture Organisation Forest Carbon Partnership Facility Fiji Forest Harvesting Code of Practice Gross Wage Earner Harvest Tree Manually (Basic) Job Evaluation Exercise Ministry of Forestry Memorandum of Understanding Measuring, Reporting, Verification National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan National Forest Inventory Permanent Sample Plots Reforestation of Degraded Forests Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Right License Sustainable Development Goals Strategic Development Plan Standard Expenditure Group Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change United Nations Forum on Forests Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 5 of 78 PERMANENT SECRETARY’S FOREWORD I am honoured to present the annual report for the Ministry of Forestry for the financial year August 2017 to July 2018.
The Ministry received a total budget of $16.0 million, of which $13.3 million (83.1%) was utilised for the implementation of the Ministry’s programmes and projects.

The Ministry was able to deliver its outputs effectively with the resources provided.

Some of the major achievements include: i.

The signing and immediate implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Indonesia on 24 April 2018 at the 3rd Asia-Pacific Rainforest Summit (APRS); ii.

iii.

iv.

v. vi.

vii.

viii.
The official opening of the Nabalasere Ecotourism Forest Park in the province of Ra; The establishment and launch of the first indigenous tree species nursery at the Vunimaqo Forestry Station, Galoa; The development of the draft Ministry’s Strategic Development Plan; The endorsement of the REDD+ Mid Term Review report; The acceptance by the World Bank of a US$2million additional funding for the REDD+ programme; The signing of the REDD+ Conservation lease agreement for the national REDD+ pilot site with the community of Emalu; and, among other things, The initiation of the forest warden allowance and contractual agreement.
I acknowledge the leadership and guidance of the then Minister for Forestry, Honourable Osea Naiqamu and the then Permanent Secretaries for Forestry, Mr. Samuela Lagataki and Ms. Bernadette Welch, respectively.

I also commend the efforts of all the staff of the Ministry who continue to persevere and inspire the stakeholders and communities that we work with and serve to collectively strive for the sustainable management of Fiji’s forests.
G. P. N. Baleinabuli Permanent Secretary for Forestry (since November 2018) Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 6 of 78 AGENCY OVERVIEW CORE BUSINESS The leader in forests sustainability and innovation for small island economies To drive sustainable resource management, economic growth and improve livelihoods through SMART forest policies that is based on applied research and development Responsible We will discharge our duties with accountabilities Resolute We will discharge our duties with determination and be firm and fair in our decisions Respectful We will be sensitive to individual needs and the diversity of views Resourceful We will be practical, creative, effective and efficient and maintain uncompromising integrity in our daily work Reliable We will do and deliver what we have committed and promised to our customers The Ministry is a regulatory and service organisation responsible for the national forestry sector through the following functions: • Formulate and implement forest strategies and policies; • Provide and administer the regulatory function under the respective Ministry’s legislation and regulations; • Monitor and evaluate current strategies, policies and deliverables; • Develop and promote effective training, communication and awareness and extension advisory services; • Strengthen community and industry networks and support frameworks; • Maintain international bilateral and multilateral commitments; and • Undertake applied research for sustainable forest resource management practices and product development.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 7 of 78 CORPORATE PROFILE LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK The Ministry of Forestry is guided in its daily operations by the following legislations, regulations, policies, plans and manuals.
Table 1: Organisational Management Legislations • Constitution of the Regulations • Civil Service Republic of Fiji 2013 • Financial Management Regulation 2017 • Finance Instructions Act 2004 2010 • Fiji Procurement Regulations & Amendments 2010 • Tax Administration Decree 2009 • Fiji Health & Safety at Work Act 1996 • Civil Service Act 2016 • Act 2 of 2016 – Amendment to PSC Act • Employment Relations Promulgations 2007 & Employment Relations (Amendment) Act 2016 Table 2: Forestry Sector Management Regulations • Forest (Sawmill) Regulation 1968 • Forest (Preservative Legislations • Forest Act 1992 • National Research Bill • Environment Management Act (EMA) • Biosecurity Promulgation Treatment) Regulation 1992 • Forest Guard • Native Land Trust Act Regulations 1975 2012 (amended) • Forest Fire Prevention Regulation 1972 • Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulation 2007 • Environment Management (Waste Disposal & Recycling) Regulation 2007 Policies • General Order 2011 Terms & Conditions of Employment for GWE’s 2010 • Ministry’s Risk Management Policy Plans • MOF Training Plan Manuals • MOF HR Manual • MOF Asset • MOF Finance Management Plan • MOF Operational Manual Plan Policies • Fiji Forests Policy Plans • National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) • Green Growth Framework (GGF) 2007 • REDD+ Policy 2011 • Forest Certification • Fiji Climate Change Policy 2012 • Draft Energy Policy 2013 • Fiji Rural & Land Use Policy 2005 Manuals • Fiji Forest Harvesting Code of Practice (FFHCOP) • Sandalwood Manual • Nursery Manual Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 8 of 78 ORGANISATION STRUCTURE Minister for Forestry Permanent Secretary for Forestry Conservator of Forests Director Human Resource Policy and Planning Unit Chief Forest Development Officer Director Research and Development PAS PFO ES DFO (C/E) PFO (SRD) PAO PEPO DFO (N) PUO (TUD) DFO (W) PFO (Training) PFO (MSD) Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 9 of 78 FORESTRY PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS Table 3: Forestry
 Programmes and Projects No.
Programme Activity 1 Policy & Admin 1.

General Admin & Accounts 2.

Economic Policy, Planning & 2 Forestry Statistics.

1.

General Admin 2.

Forestry Conservation & Management Services 3.

Training & Education 4.


Silviculture Research, Resource Assessment & Development Projects within each Programme & Activity • Upgrade of Office & Quarters • Forest Subsidy • International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) • Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) • Purchase of Harvesting Machines.

• Sandalwood Development Programme 5.

Timber Utilisation Research & • Research & Development of Wood and Product Development 6.
Extension & Advisory Services (Reforestation & Afforestation) 7.

Monitoring, Control & Surveillance (Harvesting & Logging) 8.

Forest Parks, Recreation & Nature Reserves Non-wood Species.

• Utilisation of Wood.

• Reforestation of Degraded Forests & Reforestation of indigenous species • Pine Woodlot Logging Package.

• Purchase of equipment - Lakeba Pine Scheme.
• Monitoring, Control, Surveillance • Upgrade of Colo-i-Suva Forest Park BUDGET ALLOCATION AND EXPENDITURE Table 4: MOF Budget Allocation SEG SEG PARTICULARS Established Staff Government Wage Earners Travel and Communications Maintenance and Operations Purchase of Goods and Services Operating Grants and Transfers Special Expenditures TOTAL OPERATING Capital Construction Capital Purchase TOTAL CAPITAL Value Added Tax TOTAL EXPENDITURE 2017-2018 Allocation [FJD] 3,888,522 1,370,363 463,238 1,296,440 1,126,784 794,524 2,817,019 11,756,890 2,270,000 1,364,000 3,634,000 630,000 16,020,890 A total of $16.0 million was allocated to the Ministry, of which $13.3 million (83.1%) was utilised for the implementation of the Ministry’s programmes and projects, leaving a balance of $2.7 million at the end of July 2018.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 10 of 78 REPORT ON PERFORMANCE PORTFOLIO LEADERSHIP, POLICY ADVICE & SECRETARIAT SUPPORT Forestry Strategic Development Plan The decision to separate fisheries and forestry into separate Ministries allowed the Ministry of Forestry to focus its attention on the Forestry Sector in addressing its core roles, responsibilities and plans for the achievement of its desired outcomes on a short-term and long-term basis.
This led to the development of the Ministry’s first Strategic Development Plan (SDP) to guide the work of the Ministry till 2030.The draft framework for the SDP was developed in consultation with its stakeholders and was guided by the objectives and targeted Outcomes of the National Development Plan, and commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and other international obligations that Fiji is a signatory to.
The SDP was not published in this financial year as it was undergoing reviews.

Development of Policies The Ministry continued work on the Planted Forests Policy, with assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The aim of this Policy is to increase forest areas under managed plantations to reduce pressures on Fiji’s natural forests.

Consultations were conducted with all relevant stakeholders and a draft Policy was developed with FAO consultants.
Review of and development of Forest Legislations & Regulations In this financial year, the Ministry continued to pursue the finalisation and endorsement of the Forest Bill [Bill No.

13 of 2016], which is a review of the Forest Act 1992.

The Bill is the outcome of a number of stakeholder consultations with a view of revising the 1992 Forest Act to include recent developments within the Forest Sector in addition to supporting the full implementation of the Fiji Forest Policy 2007.
The Ministry continued work on reviewing two forestry regulations, the Forest (Preservative Treatment) Regulation 1992 and the Forest (Sawmills) Regulation 1968, to ensure that it captures recent developments in the sector.

Cabinet Submission Three Cabinet submissions were made during this period and are as follows: i. ii.

iii.
iii.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry and Fiji’s Ministry of Forestry; The Third Asia-Pacific Rainforest Summit; and The United Nations Forum on Forests 12th Session Meeting Report.
Speeches & Parliament Responses Fourteen Speeches were compiled and delivered by for Forestry at various events highlighted in Graph 1. the Honourable Minister Graph 1: Speeches delivered by the Minister for Forestry 36% Ministerial Parliament Statements Opening Address at Meetings/Workshops 64% Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 11 of 78 Partnership | Memorandum of Understanding The Ministry developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia.
This MOU was signed on 24 April 2018 at the 3rd Asia-Pacific Rainforest Summit (APRS) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia by the Fijian Minister for Forestry, Honourable Osea Naiqamu, and Honourable Siti Nurbaya, Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Forestry.

The areas of cooperation include forest and land rehabilitation, wildlife and plant protection, wood and non-wood products utilisation, and promotion of trade in forest products.
Delegation from Fiji and Fiji's First Secretary to Indonesia with representatives from Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

Human Resource The financial year 2017 – 2018 saw the separation of the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Fisheries corporate staff that were once shared.

The HR Division continued with its normal function despite the challenges of performing extra responsibilities for better services.
The implementation of the Job Evaluation Exercise (JEE) 2017 was also carried out in this financial year where a total of 226 transition contracts were signed.

Following this the Performance Management Guideline, Discipline Guideline and the Learning and Development Guideline were implemented.

The staffing strength at the end of this financial year stood at 85.8%.
Table 5: Staff establishment Established GWE h t g n e r t S t n a c a V d e v o r p p A s t s o p Project h t g n e r t S Number 151 139 12 97 72 25 34 31 Total h t g n e r t S d e v o r p p A s t s o p t n a c a V 282 242 40 t n a c a V 3 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 12 of 78 Training & Development The management of Training and Development in the Ministry saw the conduct of 21 local trainings.
These trainings were identified through the Civil Service Reform Unit, Ministry of Civil Service, local institutions and mandatory training under the TPAF Grant and Levy Scheme.

Graph 2 shows the distributions of local trainings.

Overseas training recorded a total of 26 programmes and were attended by 42 officers in the Ministry.

Graph 2: Local Training Aug. 2017 - Jul.


2018 i i s g n n a r T f o r e b m u N 15 10 5 0 Civil Service Reform In House MSC Others s r e c i f f O f o r e b m u N Graph 3: Number of Officers attending Overseas Training 15 10 5 0 FTC SRD TUD MSD HQ WEST NORT H CENT RAL REDD + Series1 12 6 1 2 Series1 1 4 5 12 9 2 3 2 4 Distributions of overseas trainings among Divisions are shown in Graph 3.
Distribution of trainings considering gender equality was recorded as follows in both local and overseas: Graph 4: Gender Distribution of Training - Local Graph 5: Gender Distribution of Training - Overseas Female Male 33% 67% Female Male 27% 73% A total of 7 officers attended either part-time or full-time studies at the local tertiary or overseas intuitions.

Two (2) out of the seven (7) officers were granted full time studies while five officers were granted part time.
The two (2) full time officers went on overseas studies.

Upgrade of Quarters The upgrading project was delayed during the year due to delay in drawings and trade cost summary from Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport.

As a result the Tender was readvertised due to variation in costs.

However, the team managed to hasten the process and subsequently awarded the tender towards the end of the financial year.

Maintenance work of the 8 selected quarters continued in the next financial year.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 13 of 78 FOREST SECTOR DEVELOPMENT FOREST RESOURCE BASE Fiji has a total of 1.1 million hectares of forest areas, of which natural (indigenous) forests comprises 86.56%, Softwood comprises 6.83% and Hardwood comprises 6.6%.

FOREST PRODUCTION National log production from Aug 2017 – Jul 2018 stood at 445,803 cubic meters, of which pine was 395,276.20m3 (88.67%), indigenous 39,242.11m3 species was and mahogany was 11,285.46m3 (2.53%).
(8.80%) DOWNSTREAM PROCESSING Sawmills in Fiji A total of 54 sawmill licenses were issued during Aug 2017 – Jul 2018, of which 23 (42.6%) were for static sawmills, while 31 (57.4%) were for portable sawmills.

Sawmill Production The total log volume input for Aug 2017 – Jul 2018 was 45,874.67m3 and the total sawn timber production was 21,698.42m3.

Thus, the average sawmills recovery rate was 47.0% as detailed in the table.
Table 6: Forest Areas by forest type Natural Softwood Hardwood Total Hectares 989,991.28 78,150.95 75,503.07 1,143,645.3 Graph 6: Log production Aug 2017-Jul 2018 ) s r e t e m c i b u c ( e m u o v l 500,000.00 400,000.00 300,000.00 200,000.00 100,000.00 - Native Mahog any Pine Total 2016-2017 43,190.74 15,646.20 192,385.8 251,222.7 2017-2018 39,242.11 11,285.46 395,276.2 445,803.7 Division Central/Eastern Western Northern Total Table 7: Sawmills in Fiji Static Portable Total 8 5 10 23 8 9 14 31 16 14 24 54 Table 8: Sawmill production by Division Division Central/Eastern Western Northern Total Input volume (m3) 10,940.55 11,633.46 23,300.66 45,874.67 Output volume (m3) 5047.76 5,000.32 11,650.33 21,698.42 Recovery 46.14% 42.98% 50.00% 47.0% Average Recovery Timber Treatment Plants Under the Forest (Preservative Treatment) Regulation 1992, 27 treatment plants existed during this period.
19 treatment plants were licensed, 4 were non-operational, and 4 were under process before issuance of licenses.

The summary is shown in the table below.


Table 9: Timber Treatment Plants in Fiji Licensed plants Non-operational Under Process Total 19 4 4 27 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 14 of 78 EXPORTS & IMPORTS Exports Total value of export for forest products from Aug 2017-Jul 2018 amounted to $48.4, an increase of $15.5 million (46.9%) compared to the $32.98 million of the previous financial year.
The 2 major export commodities were pine chips and sawn timber with a total export revenue of $45.3 million contributing to 93.6% of total exports.
n o i l l i M $ J F 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Exports Graph 7: Total Export value 2016-2017 32.98 2017-2018 48.44 Table 10: Forestry exports by product type Product Type Volume Value (FJD) Pine chips Sawn timber Decking Other Slabs Plywood Veneer Flitches Roots, Stems & Branches Mouldings Wooden Artifacts Sticks, Branches, Roots Finished Product Sasa Sticks Posts Neck Total Cubic meters Mt Kg Piece The major export destinations for forest products for 2017-2018FY were Japan, China, Dominican Republic, USA and New Zealand with total export value of $46.0 million.
Table 11: Major export country of origin Export Destination Value (FJD) Japan China Dominican Republic USA New Zealand Others Total 32,864,378.30 7,016,635.67 2,407,583.48 2,121,228.02 1,631,815.06 2,402,178.48 48,443,819.01 New Zealand 3% Graph 8: Major Export Destinations Others 5% USA 4% Dominican Republic 5% China 15% Japan 68% Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 15 of 78 Imports Total value of import of forest products from Aug 2017 - Jul 2018 amounted to $28.5 million, a decline of $0.66 million (2.26%) compared to the previous financial year.
The major import commodities were sawn timber, plywood, hardboard and cross arms which accounted for $22.98 million (80.5%) of imports.
Graph 9: Total Import value 29.20 n o i l l i M $ J F 28.54 2016-2017 2017-2018 Year Table 12: Forestry imports by product type Product Sawn Timber Plywood Hard Board Volume Value Kg Cubic meters 8765.35 8,133,772.63 5,793.03 5,020,677.02 5,906.20 3,683,462.19 Film Face Plywood 4,523.11 3,634,046.73 Cross Arm Poles 517.80 2,505,281.50 883.62 1,748,222.10 Melamine Particle Board 1,616.80 1,478,310.16 Mouldings Wooden Reels Laminated Veneer Lumber Melteca Board Shingles Veener Decking Veneer Superstand Board Gib Board Post Stick, Roots, Branches Soft Board Furniture TOTAL The major countries of origin for imports of forest products for 2017-2018FY were New Zealand, China and Australia with a total import value of $24.5 million.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 16 of 78 Table 13: Major import country of origin Import Origin Value (FJD) Graph 10: Major import country of origin New Zealand China Australia Others Total 16,055,457.98 4,380,432.87 4,062,460.71 4,046,884.30 28,545,235.86 Australia 14% Others 14% China 16% New Zealand 56% GOVERNMENT SERVICES FOREST LAW ENFORCEMENT: LICENSING, COMPLIANCE & MONITORING Forest Harvesting Total annual logging licenses (right licenses) issued during this period was 314 of which 75 (23.9%) was issued from Central/Eastern Division, 194 (61.8%) from Western Division and 45 (14.3%) from the Northern Division.
These licenses included both new and renewed licenses.

A total of 23 licenses were issued for Mahogany, 158 licenses issued for Pine, 36 licenses issued for Indigenous species, 81 licenses issued for Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and 16 licenses issued for clear felling.
Table 14: Right licenses issued by Division Division Central/Eastern Western Mahogany 15 3 Northern TOTAL 5 23 Pine 15 112 31 158 Indigenous MFP 9 22 21 57 Clear-fell 15 0 Total 75 194 5 36 3 81 1 16 45 314 Monitoring, Compliance and Surveillance (MCS) Monitoring, compliance and surveillance were carried out by forestry officers stationed in the three Operation Divisions in the Western, Northern and Central/Eastern Division.
All logging licenses issued and harvesting operations are constantly inspected and supervised to ensure compliance against the Fiji Forest Harvesting Code of Practice 2013, the Forest Act 1992, Harvest Plans and the Health & Safety at Work (OHS) Act 1998.

The compliance level was above 80% for field operations and field machines, including chainsaws and safety equipment.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 17 of 78 Monitoring, Compliance and The Surveillance Project was allocated a budget of $100,000.00 which was used to monitor compliance level in all Divisions by the MCS Project Officer and selected team members.

Two national monitoring were successfully conducted in this financial year.

The MCS budget was also used to carry out refresher trainings and awareness to officers; and this includes training for supervisors in logging companies.
The objective is to ensure that operations in the forests are carried out according to relevant laws and approved operating procedures.

The project continued work on the 2 Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) between the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations (MEPIR); and the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

The two MOUs were submitted to the Solicitor General’s Office for vetting and clearance.
Timber Processing A total of 54 sawmill licenses were issued during Aug 2017 – Jul 2018 with the total sawn timber production at 21,698.42m3.

A total of nineteen (19) licensed timber treatment plants were operating during the year.

These plants treated a total sawn timber volume of 31,606.51m3.

Monitoring of these sawmills and treatment plants were conducted throughout the year to ensure compliance against the1968 Forest (sawmill) regulation and the 1992 Forest (preservative treatment) regulation.
FOREST MANAGEMENT: FOREST RESOURCE INFORMATION The Management Division is responsible for the management of Forest Information System (FIS) and data; growth assessment of natural forests through permanent sample plots, administration of mapping and surveys of forest boundaries and forest functions and services; and co-ordination and facilitation of forest international and regional conventions and agreements.
National Forest Inventory (NFI) 2007 The NFI Statistics Report was finalised this financial year, however the full report was still work in progress.

Permanent Sample Plots The project has been ongoing since its inception in 2009 and has completed 4 activities based on PSIP.

Two more activities are left to be carried out in order to achieve its objective to come up with the annual allowable cut for the Fiji’s natural measurement of PSP plots.
The fourth round of Permanent Sample Plot measurement started last year and will continue to be measured to determine the growth increment over a period of years.

forest.

The ongoing activity is Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 18 of 78 Target for this year was to complete the fourth round of measurements.

A total of 26 plots were measured this financial year.

Table 15: PSP Project Activities No.

Project Activity 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.


PSP Locality identification using NFI results Development and training on data collection methodology Recon of suitable areas and discussion with landowners Establishment of PSP Measurement of PSP Documentation of PSP Calculation of first estimate AAC Status Completed Completed Completed Completed Ongoing Pending Pending Table 16: Plots measured Aug 2017 – Jul 2018 Plot No.
01 02 03 05 06 10 11 12 39 40 49 61 62 63 64 66 67 68 70 74 75 76 78 84 85 92 26 Plots Activity Re-established Plot Measured Plot Re-established Plot Re-established Plot Measured Plot Re-established Plot Measured Plot Measured Plot Re-established Plot Measured Plot Measured Plot Measured Plot Measured Plot Measured Plot Measured Plot Measured Plot Measured Plot Measured Plot Shifted Plot Measured Plot Measured Plot Measured shifted Plot Measured Plot Measured Plot Measured Plot Awareness & Measured Plot Location Vitawa, Ra Navolau, Ra Raviravi,Ra Vatukoula Naseyani Tavakubu,Ba Nalotawa, Ba Toge,Ba Navutu,Ba Vagadra Ovea, Tailevu Bua Bua Bua Bua Bua Bua Macuata Bua Macuata Macuata Macuata Macuata Macuata Cakaudrove Cakaudrove Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 19 of 78 GIS and Mapping Two Officers were involved in this GIS and Mapping activity at the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC).
They also worked on Forest Change Detection from the year 2006 – 2012 & from 2012-2016 (Period of 10 years) for the following islands: i. ii.

iii.

Vitilevu Vanualevu Taveuni The Map depicts forest/ vegetation cover change.

Timber Volume Estimates & Harvesting Plans During this period, the Division received 31 applications for timber volume assessment.

Eight applications were from the Northern division, 20 applications were from the Central Eastern division and 3 from the Western division.
Table 17: Summary of timber volume assessment application Division Northern Central/Eastern Western Total No.

of applications received 8 20 3 31 Volume Area (ha) 51,973.81 112,553.56 25,585.53 150,507.804 2,651.22 4,993.479 1,860.68 9,505.379 A total of 23 Logging /Harvesting Plans were produced during the period.
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD Plus) The REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (+) forest conservation, sustainable management of forests and forest carbon stock enhancement) readiness process in Fiji has advanced since the endorsement of the REDD+ policy in 2010.
The REDD+ Policy contributes to the national forestry sector goal: ‘Sustainable management of Fiji’s forests to maintain their natural potential and to achieve greater social, economic and environmental benefits for current and future generations’.
The Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 20 of 78 REDD+ Policy emphasises safeguards to protect and respect the knowledge and rights of indigenous peoples, to ensure the active participation of resource owners, the consideration of gender issues in all phases of decision-making and the protection of natural forest and their ecosystem services.
Fiji recognises REDD+ as an important opportunity to contribute towards global climate change mitigation while strengthening the socio-economic situation of its forest resource owners and protect and restore its forest ecosystems.
The REDD+ readiness is being followed in a phased approach to its current national REDD+ programme: • The first phase aims to put in place policy and institutional frameworks for the implementation of REDD+ and addressing capacity needs for the establishment of a national MRV system.

• The second phase involves the development of a national REDD+ strategy, the establishment of pilot sites and strengthening MRV capacities (towards Tier 2 and 3 level reporting).
• The third phase will be the implementation of the strategy, participation in a REDD+ carbon financing mechanism, and the establishment of an operational MRV and IPCC reporting system.

Fiji is currently in phase 2 of its national REDD+ programme and R-PP development and implementation supports the achievement of the targets set out in this phase while working towards successfully achieving the 3rd phase.
Development of REDD+ Readiness and Emission Reduction Programme Fiji had secured FCFP funding of $US3.8m to implement its R-PP (Readiness Preparation Proposal) from 2015 – 2019 with co-funding from the Fiji government and SPC/ GIZ Regional Programme Coping with Climate Change in the Pacific Island Region.

Key achievements for Fiji this 2017 - 2018 financial year were: i. ii.

iii.
iii.

The endorsement of the Mid Term Review report; Acceptance of the US$ 2million additional funding request; and The signing of the REDD+ Conservation lease agreement for the national REDD+ pilot site with the Emalu community.

Tabulated below are other achievements by the Ministry in terms of the Fiji Readiness implementation from August 2017 to July 2018.
Table 18: Status of achievement for REDD+ Project Name/ Activity Date Stakeholder consultation events National REDD+ Steering Committee (NRSC) Drivers Inception workshop Resource owner pilot site update CSO platform forum Inception meeting for Divisional working group 18 Aug 2017, 08 Dec 2017, 28 Feb 2018, 01 June 2018 31 August 2017 13 Feb 2018 Mar 5-7 2018 16 Jul 2018 Capacity building/training & awareness Early Childhood Education (ECE) – forest conservation awareness Tacirua Kindergarten Supported by (RDF & AAD) FIVEM - Valuing and Assessing of Carbon REDD+ awareness Sawani District School Expert Exchange on REDD+ and Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) for Asian-Pacific Countries 27th Asia Pacific Forestry Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka REDD+ Awareness Dreketi (TEBTEBBA – SSVM) FGRM training 02 August 2017 5th, 12th, 19th Aug 2017 29 Sept, 2017 17-19 Oct 2017 23-27, Oct 2017 25-27 April 2018, 31-34 May 2018 30-31 May Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 21 of 78 EDUCATION AND TRAINING The Training and Education Division 2017 - 2018 Operation Plan continued to be guided by the Fiji Forest Policy 2007 and similar to the previous years, it sets the directions for all our training and awareness activities.
Under Section 5.5.7 of the Forest Policy, Forestry Training and Education outline the following: “The Forestry Department will have training courses conducted for forestry personnel and resource owners in all aspects of sustainable forest management, timber utilisation principles and practices, log scaling, and protection of environmental values”.

The Division continued to actively contribute to 4 major outputs of the Ministry in the Operation Plan for 2017-2018.
This includes; • Output 1: Portfolio Leadership, Policy Advise and Secretariat Support • Output 3: Education and Training – Forestry Development • Output 4: Public Awareness and Promotion – SFM • Output 11: Promote Gender Equality and Women in Development – Forestry The Training Centre also worked on submitting documents to the Fiji Higher Education Commission to allow schools to be fully registered by the Fiji Higher Education Commission and this is expected to be completed before the end of 2018.
Technical Skills Training In comparison to the last financial year training, this year’s training has seen an increase in the number of participants attending the technical skills training.

A from 26 different total of 760 participants stakeholders participated financial year this in compared to 381 participants from 15 stakeholders in the same period last year.

This has mainly contributed to the development that has taken place in the provinces particularly in the reconstruction of homes.
Nine provinces were covered during the year.

The province of Naitasiri tops the number of participants that attended the chainsaw training with a total of 221 followed by Kadavu at 145.

The numbers for the rest of the provinces were all below 101.

Number of Trainings The province of Naitasiri and Kadavu capped the list of training this year followed by Cakaudrove, Tailevu, Namosi and 1 training each for Bua, Lau, Serua and Nadroga.
The number reflects the development that has been taking place in the provinces for the reconstruction of homes affected by the recent cyclones and also the financial assistance provided by government for the building of homes initiatives.
Graph 11: Number of participants 250 200 150 100 221 50 99 100 94 145 15 49 25 12 Graph 12: Number of training Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 22 of 78 Province SFM Training and Awareness Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and Awareness Training continue to be conducted with the understanding that a well-managed forests with applicable conservation measures can deliver society’s needs in a sustainable way.
The Academic Section had planned for 4 trainings to be conducted for this financial year but due to limited staff capacity, only one training was conducted during quarter 1 of the financial year at Kilaka, Kubulau in Bua.

However, a three days awareness training was conducted in Waciwaci, Lakeba, and Lau fully funded by the Action Against Desertification (AAD) Project, under the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nation.
The SFM awareness team was also invited and completed 3 SFM evening awareness to the Sovi Basin Protected Areas community that consisted of the 3 communities of Delailasakau, Naseuvou and Nadakuni of Naitasiri.

The awareness focused more on the vibrant roles played by communities or resource owners in the sustainable management of their natural resources.

The communities were very receptive to the training and fully appreciated the knowledge they had gained during the training.
There were questions relating to government assistance that encourage the removal of natural forest for other economic benefits but contradict the promotion of natural resource conservation.

Communities have been informed on the need to balance natural resource development and natural resource conservation and restoration.

They similarly confirm on the need to restore degraded forests using native species, after recognising the depletion of this native species.
The communities have agreed to formulate a Natural Resource Management Team or locally called Yaubula Management Support Team, to be responsible for the monitoring, maintenance and replenishment of all natural resources.
Table 19: SFM Training Community Kilaka, Kubulau Date 04/09/17 – 08/09/17 28/01/18 – 04/02/18 Waciwaci 19/03/18 20/03/18 21/03/18 Total Delailasakau, Nasevou Nadakuni Total Province Bua Lakeba Naitasiri Naitasiri Naitasiri Female Male 27 16 15 20 20 98 14 14 29 15 30 102 41 30 44 35 50 200 Forest Harvesting Training One of the main outputs of the division under the Ministry Operation Plan aim is to promote quality training programmes for capacity building to communities and industry operators.
In trying to achieve this, the Ministry through the Training and Education Division conducted relevant Training Courses to Harvesting contractors throughout the Country.

Activities of the Harvesting Section of the Forestry Training Centre is not limited to the harvesting training activities only but, it has committed its programmes to facilitating trainings on Biodiversity Conservations & Protected Area Management and also in the execution of the National Monitoring exercise.
A total of 15 training activities were completed by the section, an increase of 1 training compared to the same period last year.

A total of 389 individuals were trained and tested during the period compared to 471 in the last financial year.

Details are in table 20.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 23 of 78 Table 20: Forest Harvesting Training QRT ACTIVITY 1 2 3 4 Bua Harvesting supervision Module II ID Card Processing CODE Awareness ID Card Processing Pruning & Thinning Training and Assessment Bua Harvesting supervision Module III Lakeba Chainsaw training & Skills test National Monitoring Exercise West Harvesting Supervisor Module I Tasmania Study Tour West First Aid Training Central/Eastern First Aid Training Central/Eastern Harvesting supervision Module 1 WCS BC & PAM Tailor-made Training Chainsaw Skills Test Seaqaqa TOTAL DATE 28/08 – 01/09/17 04/09 – 08/09/17 18/09 – 22/09/17 25/09 – 29/09/17 09/10 – 13/10/17 07/11 – 09/11/17 20/11 – 28/11/17 11/02 – 04/04/18 14/05 – 18/05/18 20/05 – 26/05/18 29/05 – 31/05/18 14/06 – 15/06/18 18/06 – 22/06/18 02/07 – 06/07/18 09/07 – 10/07/18 VENUE Bua FPL North West Seaqaqa Bua FPL Tubou N/W/S Lautoka Tasmania Australia Lautoka Nausori Nausori FTC Nanivuda/ Seaqaqa # PARTICIPANTS 17 69 operators 36 68 operators 22 16 21 34 Contractors 21 16 18 17 25 9 389 Forest Warden Training The Forest Warden programme, which was mandated by the 2007 Forest Policy, enabled Forest Wardens to assist in the policing of Forest Laws.
A total of 28 Forest Wardens graduated with Certificate I in Forest Management & Conservation, and are now actively implementing their roles & responsibilities in their area of operation within their various districts.

During the year, a round of consultation was also held within the 3 Field Divisions to establish the responsibilities of the Forest Wardens within their respective divisions.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Provincial Offices as well, as they customarily work closely with Forest Wardens.

A recommendation was made by the Provincial Representatives that a time period be established for attachment of Forest Warden within their respective Provincial Office for acquaintance and examining protocols that are essential to be observed when directing consultations, meeting and discussions with communities.
The year also marked the initiation of the allowance pay-out and assigning of contract agreement to the Forest Wardens of the Western Division.

The Minister for Forestry, Honourable Osea Naiqamu was the chief guest during the launching ceremony in Lautoka.

Forest Technician Programme A total of 22 students graduated with an Advance Certificate in Forest Management from the Forestry Training Centre.
This was after the completion of 18 months (4 semesters) of training and undertaking practical work (work attachment).

The students did 17 units over the 4 semesters with a total of 1,010 contact hours and 490 hours of Self-Directed Learning.

Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Area Management Course A Tailor-made workshop was delivered to National Trust of Fiji Rangers and Resource Owners from the 4th to the 8th of December at Nadave.

The workshop was funded by FAO and the Training Centre.
There was a total of 25 participants from National Trust of Fiji’s Reserve sites and they also comprised of some resource owners from these sites.

This tailor-made workshop was widely conducted by Non-Government Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 24 of 78 Organisations’ that value conservation in Fiji.

This is the second of its kind conducted by FTC.


The 2 consultants for the Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Areas Management (BC & PAM) curriculum development were in the country during the year to provide support in the development of the syllabus into Advance level.

Their work was fully funded by FAO who are the sponsors of this project.
The section also coordinated a 5 day tailor-made training programme on Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Areas Management for the Yaubula Management Committee through the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Projects.

Logistical support was provided by the FAO, with funding under the GEF FPAM project in Fiji.

WCS has been working in Bua since 2004 and had developed a structured network with communities in Bua.
WCS has assisted 7 districts in Bua in compiling a district Ecosystem Base Management plan which was launched in 2016.

It is a guideline that supports members of the district to better manage their natural resources.

The organisation is working closely with the various district resource management committees in a process of developing and strengthening skills, instincts and abilities that they can adhere and adapt to against a changing environment within their district.
Table 21: CAWT Training by province Province Namosi Serua Tailevu Kadavu Nadroga Ba Ra Lau Lomaiviti Total 1 Number/Gender M F 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 11 1 1 3 Certificate in Applied Woodcraft Technology TITC Fourteen (14) students were recruited to undergo a one-year Certificate in Applied Woodcraft Technology.

The selection was based on needs of our stakeholders particularly the resource owners.

The 14 students included eleven males and three females as shown in Table 21.
Portable Sawmill Training A total of 10 portable sawmill training was conducted during the period.
The summary of trainings conducted are as follows; Table 22: Portable sawmill training conducted No Villages Sanima Pine Scheme, Namara Village, Kadavu 1 Muani Pine Scheme, Muani Village, Kadavu 2 Yawe Pine Scheme, Naqalotu Village, Kadavu 3 Nasegai Pine Scheme, Nasegai Village, Kadavu 4 Onoi-lau, Lau 6 RFMF Engineers Section, Nabua, Suva 7 Nukuvou Village, Kadavu 8 9 Navutulevu Village, Serua 10 Advance CAWT Students Total No.
of Participants 19 32 19 25 9 20 18 16 16 174 Other Trainings There were other trainings conducted during the period which targeted the timber industry.

Tabulated on the right are the summaries of trainings which were attended by the personnel of different timber or sawmill companies.

Table 23: Summary of other trainings No.

Name of Training Location 1 2 3 Timber Grading Training Labasa Lautoka Timber Grading Training Treatment Plant Operations Nasinu No.
of Participants 13 15 12 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 25 of 78 Village Rehabilitation The training team also participated in the village rehabilitation programme which were conducted in; ▪ Ono, Lau; ▪ Nukuvou village, Kadavu; ▪ Navutulevu village, Serua; and ▪ Vatubalavu village, Nadroga Navosa.

SILVICULTURE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT The Silviculture Research Division undertakes applied and silviculture research.
The overall research programme has two (2) key research areas; the plantation forestry and the sustainable management of native forests including mangrove forests/ecosystem.

These programmes consisted of five (5) sub-programmes with multiple activities.

The 5 sub-programmes are; seed technology, nursery practice, tree improvement, forest health, natural forest management.
Seed Technology The objective of this programme is to develop improved methods for harvesting, processing, testing, storing, retrieving and distributing seeds to ensure improved viability.

There was a great decline in the volume of seeds collected compared to previous years and this was due to the trail of destruction that was left by TC Winston in 2016 affecting most of the seed collection areas and seed stands.
Furthermore, the continuous rain period experienced in the beginning of 2017 affected the flowering and fruiting of tree species.

Seed Collection The seed collection team conducted seed collection on a monthly basis targeting forest areas in the Western and Northern Divisions.

Due to the high yield and quality of seeds attributed to its climatic condition i.e., favourable dry and hot conditions which greatly enhances fruiting and maturity resulting in high seed viability.
The total volume of seeds collected this year is 934.1kg of seeds comprising 2.8 kg (0.3 %) of Sandalwood seeds and 931.3 kg (99.7 %) of Indigenous species.

There was no mahogany seeds collected due to the 200kg dried weight at stock.
300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Graph 13: Seed collection achieved in each quarter (2017-2018FY) Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Sandalwood Indegenious species Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 26 of 78 Seed Processing Some trees can easily be grown from seed but some may take a much longer time to propagate.

Seeds propagation can be a tricky process for several local tree species.

It is important to seed processing understand techniques.
Treating is necessary before germination occurs and a seedling can be assured.

the seed properly the different Graph 14: 2017-2018 Seed processing achievement by tree species 195.4 78.9 200 150 100 50 0 1.44 Sandalwood Indigenous ) g K ( d e s s e c o r P d e e S Exotic Species Result During the year a total of 275.74 kg of seeds was processed.

These seeds were processed and sowed.

These were Sandalwood species 1.44kg [1%], Indigenous species 195.4kg [71%] and Exotic species 78.9kg [28%].
species Seed Sowing There are number of important reasons a seed cannot germinate under various conditions.

Two major causes tree seed germination are hard seed coats and dormant seed embryos.

A small seedling can be very tiny and delicate when first germinated and often require much more care to ensure that it can successfully become a seedling.

for unsuccessful Results A total of 47,052 seeds were sowed for germinant production during the year.
Sandalwood species 11,633 seeds; Indigenous species 83,386 seeds and Exotic species 2,402 seeds.
Graph 15: Seed of different species sown for germination 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 83,386 11,633 2,402 Sandalwood Indigenous species Exotic species Nursery Practice In this financial year, the nursery section was mainly involved in production of seedlings activity which is an extension of the work started by the Seed Technology section in the nurturing of seedlings and connects/ supports the extension for the operations divisions in the afforestation and reforestation programmes.
The nursery practice team worked with optimum care and attention on seedlings during their critical juvenile stage, resulting in the production of healthy, vigorous seedlings mainly focusing on research and not on mass production.

A portion of germinants recorded under the seed section would only be reported as the other portion was transplanted by the extension nursery team.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 27 of 78 Graph 16: Germinants distibuted for 2017-2018 Transplant A total of 6,751 germinants were transplanted from the germination room which was twice the target of what was achieved in the last financial year.

this achievement, we still However, despite encountered mortality at various stage of seedling development and this is attributed to adverse weather conditions that are unfavorable to seedling growth.
Out of the total transplanted, 54% were distributed to planting activities, 30% were in stock at the nursery and a 16% mortality.

The mortality is equivalent to 1,071 seedlings and the section strives to reduce this to the range from 5 – 10% through effective management practices.

Distibuted for reforestation/ afforestation 54% Germinants Stored in the nursery 30% Mortality 16% Distribution A total of 3,680 seedlings were distributed throughout the year.
Out of this, 1,922 (52%) were sandalwood seedlings, 1,112 (30%) indigenous seedlings and 646 (18%) exotic seedlings.

Graph 17: Seedlings Distribution Exotic 18% Indigenous 30% Sandalwood 52% Graph 18 demonstrates the trend in Sandalwood Distribution since 2016.

There was an increase in the distribution of sandalwood seedlings in 2016-2017FY as compared to 2017-2018FY.

The increase was due to the ongoing rehabilitation post TC Winston.
The low achievement in sandalwood production for the 2017-2018FY was mainly due the decentralisation of sandalwood projects to the three operation divisions i.e., Northern, Central eastern and the Western Division.

to Graph 18: Sandalwood distribution seedling 2016-2018 2,100 2,000 1,900 1,800 s g n i l d e e s f o .
o N 2,074 1,959 1,922 2016 2017-2018 2016-2017 Years 2017-2018 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 28 of 78 Tree Improvement The objective of tree improvement is to identify, thin and develop superior stands for the purpose of supplying quality seeds for reforestation.

Yavuna Research Trial Plot Between 2017 and 2018, the Tree Improvement team conducted assessment at the Yavuna Research plot for three species of economic interests i.e., Rosewood, Teak and Acacia.
Of the 57 seedlings assessed at the Yavuna research trial plot, 18 Rosewood, 20 teak plants and 19 Acacia plants were assessed.

Graph 19 captures the growth recorded within the 1-year period.

The team was also able to determine the average monthly growth rate for each species planted.
Teak thrived and responded well to the climatic conditions and altitude of the trial plot with an average growth rate of 0.11047 cm per month, followed by Acacia with an average growth rate of 0.066 cm per month and lastly Rosewood with 0.043 cm average monthly growth rate.
e t a R h t w o r G y l h t n o M Graph 19: Monthly Growth Rate of Reforestation Trial at Yavuna from 2017-2018 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Teak Rosewood Acacia Maximum 0.375 0.108 0.308 Mean 0.11047 0.043 0.066 Minimum 0.0083 0.0016 0.009167 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 29 of 78 e t a R h t w o r G y l h t n o M Vaqia Research Trial plot A total of 116 plants were assessed at the research trial plot in Vaqia in Ba.
Of the 116 tree species under research, 34 were Rosewood plants, 39 Teak plants and 43 mahogany plants.

Graph 20 depicts trend of Teak, Rosewood and Mahogany over the 2017-2018 timeframe.

the growth Alternative Species Trial at Vaqia, Ba Graph 21 depicts the growth of plants in 2017-2018 and their average monthly growth rate for each species between for this period.
Teak depicted to be the best growing species with the average growth rate of 0.368 cm per month, followed by Mahogany with an average of 0.335cm per month and rosewood with an average monthly growth rate of 0.247cm per month.
Graph 20: Annual Growth Rate of 3 Mixed species (Teak, Rosewood & Mahogany) Trial at Vaqia, Ba between 2017- 2018 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Teak Rosewood Mahogany Max 0.959 0.625 0.9 Mean 0.368 0.247 0.335 Min 0.048 0.04583 0.0133 Upon comparing the results between the two research trial plots, it can be concluded that teak thrives well however its growth is more pronounced in the trial plot in Vaqia compared to the Yavuna trial plot.
Graph 21: Annual growth of Mixed Species Research Trial Plot at Vaqia Ba between 2017-2018 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 - Teak Rosewood Mahogany Forest Health Forest Health is concerned with insects that affect the forest and forest products and its scope of research is to survey, collect and rear timber infesting insects, to liaise with timber inspectors and quarantine officers for imports of timber products and periodical trapping at ports of entry, plantations and nursery.
Some of the important insects affecting wood products are termites, powder post beetles, carpenter ants and the old house borer.

Diseases are also a major contributing factor to the health of the trees, forests and ecosystems.

Most common disease are Fungi, bacteria, misletodes or viruses that can also spread from tree to tree which causing deviation to the normal functioning of a plant.
The devastated effect of symptoms ranges from Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 30 of 78 gradual decline of plant growth to defects in defected plant parts to outright mortality.

Yellowish colour foliage is an indicator of affected plants.

Surveillance and Monitoring Surveillance and monitoring are an ongoing activity for forest health undertaken for assessing insect interceptions at various sites such as plantation forest, natural forest, trade borders and nurseries.
Modes of assessments varies; static traps are monitored every fortnight to note the insect assemblages at various site location, sentinel plants are placed at trade borders to monitor new pest and disease incursion for early detection before its widespread damage to plantation areas, light trapping is undertaken to monitor insect interception at night as not all insects are active during the day.
These will give us a clear illustration on insect assemblages and compare its occurrence, its density via night or day and at respective geographical locations.

Static Trap A critical component of our activity is meant to capture the occurrence of pests and disease in specific areas.

These include port of entries, plantations, natural stands and vegetation, seed production and gene conservation areas.

Three static traps that were used are shown on the right.
The table below shows the sites and number of insects collected.
Table 24: Insects collected at various sites Insects collected from static traps Kings Suva Wharf (KSW) Coleoptera Scolytidea Bostrichidae Hemiptera Bugs Total Site Locations Export Freights Services (EFS) 1 Table 25: Taxa Abundance (Pine Plantations) Order Coleoptera Scolytidea Platypodidae Bostrychidae Caraidae Formicidae Curculionidae Scarabaeidae Hydrophilidae Rhiphaeridae Order Isoptera Termite (Alate) Total 1 175 90 33 10 29 5 25 155 1 56 579 Natovi Port (NP) Nukurua Mahogany (NM) Lautoka Wharf (LW) 2 2 4 53 7 1 61 Table 26: Taxa Abundance (Nakavu NFMPP Site) Order Coleoptera Scolytidea Platypodidae Elateridae Formicidae Curculionidae Total 56 6 2 3 6 73 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 31 of 78 To compare insect population amongst the different traps used for the past five years, beetle traps are effective at plantations of pine and mahogany to lessen the population of ambrosia beetles as these are often abundant.
For light trapping, two ways to monitor insect interception are: i. ii.

to set bucket traps at 5pm and collect it the next day at 5am, to set up the light trap two way to monitor by using a white sheet and to collect insects for 3 hours.

Through past experiences, more insects are collected when we collect for 3 hours.

The table above shows that most insects collected were from nocturnal surveys.
Nocturnal survey at Pine Plantations recorded the most insect population and majority of the insects collected were from family Scolytidae.

This proves that ambrosia beetles are common pests of Pine and Mahogany.

These are native pests and one of the best ways to monitor its population is to set up traps and to continue using light traps to lessen its impact on plantations of Pine and Mahogany.
Sentinel Plants Sentinel plants placed at the Kings Suva Wharf serves as a control remedy for early detection of introduced pests and diseases to the country and to avoid its widespread damage to plantation areas.

Assessment undertaken together with the static traps assessment is done twice a month.

Plants with symptoms of tree disorders are replaced with newly potted and healthy plants.

Sentinel Plant species are Guava, Pine, Mahogany, Eucalyptus and Teak.
These plants are placed at ports of entry to determine early detection of pests and diseases outbreak and to avoid widespread damage to plantation areas.

For example; - Guava plant - Pinus carriabea - Swietenia macrophylla - guava rusts - Sirex noctilio - mahogany shoot borer Pest and Disease Forest Health assessments are carried out to monitor pest and disease infestation to a 0–5-year-old plantations of both native and exotic.
For this period, 2 different sites were assessed; Sandalwood Gene Conservation Trial Plot at RKS and Wainiyabia Sandalwood Spacing.

The main objective of the activity is to survey and monitor insect pests and diseases occurrence on plantation areas and draw up a pest list analysis for insect pest and disease infestation on specific plantation areas.

The mode of assessment was a 100% assessment as all individual plants were assessed for pest and disease.
Infestation rate to all species is different taking into account the geographical location of the area including the weather patterns and the soil composition.

It is always ideal to undertake forest health on a young plantation (0-5 years old) as plants are more vulnerable to pest and diseases compared to an old plantation.

All insect pest or diseases samples were collected and stored at the Entomology Laboratory for proper identification and further authentication.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 32 of 78 Sandalwood GCA (RKS) The objective of establishing the gene conservation site at RKS is to conserve the native yasi which is threatened by high compatibility for hybridisation with the Santalum album and their hybrid.

Genetic diversity is essential for sustainable forest management as it permits tree species to adapt to new stresses such as disease and climate change, and allow tree breeders to continue achieving genetic improvement objectives.
The plot was established in 2015 with 100 seedlings planted.

Majority of the Santalum species cultivated have died and based on the assessment done mortality rate is very high.

Only about 10 Santalum species thrived plus some host plants (citrus).

Survival rate was very low at 10%.

The plants that died were not because of pest and disease infestation but because the area was too wet and the soil not well drained causing the high mortality rate.
Wainiyabia Spacing Trial The spacing trial was established in 2013 to determine the best possible spacing for Santalum species growth dynamic.

For the past 3 years forest health assessments shows that there was no severe threat to this trial as almost all plants are thriving.

Only in the case of plants growing under a thick canopy cover having increase humidity the plants were not vigorously growing.
Santalum Spacing Trial at Wainiyabia Almost all the plants survived at this trial plot and the mortality rate is very low at 5%.

There are no major symptoms of tree disorders but a few plants died of dieback.

Forest health assessment helps determine the number of insect pest infesting in every plantation surveyed and the spread of disease like symptoms and fungal decay.
Follow up assessment is undertaken on a quarterly basis to determine pest and disease infestation and if there is an increase in mortality rate.

Research The nursery nurtures both native and exotic timber tree species seedlings.

Most of the seedlings raised in the nursery are thriving well with overall mortality about 5% which is very low indicating high survival rate.

Majority of the seedlings are healthy with minor chewing, blight and decay or stains on their foliage.
A Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 33 of 78 common disease on Santalum species are leaf spots and common pests are mealy bugs, white flies and scale insects.

Diseases of leaf blight and leaf spots at SRD Nursery Good nursery practice and management will minimise pest and disease in a nursery set up and will avoid the widespread damage to plantation areas.
Before seedlings are to be transferred for field cultivation it must be of the required standard in size and in health (free of pest and diseases) in order to withstand the outside temperatures.

Some symptoms of tree disorders are seen on some species such as Intsia bijuga, Agathis macrophylla, Santalum album, Santalum hybrid and citrus.

Recommended insecticides and bio pesticides to be used are Prevathon, Malathion and Hortiguard.
Seedling Transfer All potted plant species are being inspected for pest and disease before transferring to outer islands.

This is a collaboration work with the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) in trying to minimise pest and disease infestation from the main island being transferred to outer islands and vice versa.

Laboratory Work Laboratory work is an ongoing activity including species identification and recording of insect pest collected from static traps, nursery and plantation assessments.
This is undertaken the next day after field assessment.

All insects’ specimen collections are stored at the entomology laboratory for future referencing and further authentication.

The specimens are stored either in wet or dry collections for preservation purposes.

Specimen curation to preserve field collected specimens to catalogue what species exist in a certain area and to have reference specimens to compare to others in the future.
All specimens must have a data label providing the location, date and collector.

All wet specimens re-filled with ethanol and pinned dry specimens are brushed with ethanol for long-term preservation.

Data gathered are stored for future referencing and use.
Natural Forest Management In Fiji, various management tools are in place such as diameter limit tables based on species growth, selective removal practices under the Fiji Forest Harvesting Code of Practice, retention of mother trees, rehabilitation of coupes after logging, replanting of 10% of coupe area after sustainable harvesting or enhancement plantings on skid tracks and landings, robust methodology and non-detriment findings enhancing the setting of sustainable harvest and trade quotas.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 34 of 78 The Natural Forest management programme and research in Nakavu research trial plot seeks to conduct non-detriment findings, establish Diameter limit tables and sustainable logging practices for tree species in Appendix II of the CITES Listing.
The Diameter Limit Table (DLT) implementation guideline aims to train the Ministry of Forestry staff and other stakeholders (contractors and land owners) on the standard logging practice under the Ministry’s regulation for native tree species according to the species Diameter Limit.
The Non-Detrimental Findings of these species give detailed information on the biological characteristics, national status, stock status, controlled harvest or monitored harvest practices and protection from harvests at a national level.

The first step involved is species identification and ascertaining its stock abundances from NFI reports, TUD export reports, CITES list, IUCN list and Ministry of Environment Fiji Endangered and Protected Species (EPS) regulation.
Species below 20 cubic meters to 0.1 cubic meters per hectare include masiratu, kuasi, makoloa, kautoa, bo, bosawa, sarosaro,yaro,vutukana, eucalyptus, salato, vugalevu, tivi, waciwaci, sole, aimasi, vacea, vutudina, dulewa, yaka, kauceuti, gadoa, manawi, marasa, duvula, vaivai ni veikau, malamala, rosawa, kaudamu male, vauceva, kambi, lauci, diriniu, vure, yawe, cibicibi, bulu m, nokonoko, yasidina, vutu, tarawau, doi, amunu, masa, nunu, cevua, drausasa, dokonisau, qumu, kaudamu lailai, buabua, tavola, totowiwi, baka, yasivula, bausa, wiriwiri, kaunisiga, tiri vanua, bauloa, nuqa, molau, damanu lailai, yasi nunu, lidi, moivi lailai, damanu dilodilo, vasarewa, vesiwai, buluwai, doidamu, kaudamu levu, yasiwai, drala, tomanu, kadaba, midra, sisisi, mavida, vasa, drautolu, lolo, damanu ni yaqaqa, moivi levu, vuga, bausawa, kautoa, vesida, anita, rogi, dabi, vaivai ni vavalagi, sasaqilu, yasiyasi lailai, kauceuti levu, mako vatu.
At this level of stocking, the species above can be considered threatened for extinction however, the outcomes of this research can lead to amendments of the species listing in the EPS Act whereby these tree species can be shifted from schedule 1 species to schedule 2 and the approval permit be granted for species listed in schedule 2. include the; Research The main activities that were carefully executed the Natural Forest and completed under programme data compilation and analysis performed on individual species including Tree Spotting and measuring and marking of the tree species in compartments 8, 11, and 12.
The other works that were also executed and completed in this financial year were: • Skid track planning and marking: Compartment 8 and 11; • Harvesting Plans incl.

Tax Report for Compartment 8 and 11; • Carbon Inventory: Compartment 4 and 7; • PSP recording and maintenance for Compartment 4, 7, 8, 11 and 12.
Table 27: Results from Compartments 8, 11 & 12 Compt Royalty Class No of qualified trees Volume of qualified trees Of the assessment carried out, there was a total of 2,321 trees that qualified for logging with the corresponding total volume of 3,047 m3.
The findings from the 3 compartments are captured in the graphs and tables below: Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 35 of 78 Results from Compartment 8 Graph 22: No.

of trees according to DBH class Graph 23: Compartment 8 Species in % s e e r t f o .

o N Table 28: Tree number according to diameter class DBH Class 35 - 39,9 40 - 44,9 45 - 49,9 50 - 54,9 55 - 59,9 60 - 64,9 65 - 69,9 70 - 74,9 > 75 Total No.
of trees 285 234 109 55 35 70 50 23 54 915 Table 29: Species distribution Species Kaudamu Laubu Mavota Kaunicina Vutukana Moivi Kauvula Sacau Yasiyasi Bau others Total Total number % 319 69 69 49 42 41 39 29 27 24 207 915 34.9 7.5 7.5 5.4 4.6 4.5 4.3 3.2 3.0 2.6 22.6 100 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 36 of 78 Results from Compartment 11 Table 30: Species Distribution Species Kaudamu Sacau Yasiyasi Sa Mavota Kaunigai Damanu Rosarosa Kauvula Laubu others % 16.95 16.78 9.64 7.42 6.55 5.68 4.06 3.47 3.30 3.03 23.12 Graph 25: dbh class distribution compt 11 Results from Compartment 12 Graph 26: Compartment 12 Species in % Graph 24: Compartment 11 Species in % Table 31: Tree number according to diameter class DBH Class 35 - 39,9 40 - 44,9 45 - 49,9 50 - 54,9 55 - 59,9 60 - 64,9 65 - 69,9 70 - 74,9 75 - 79,9 > 80 No.
of trees per ha 23.53 14.76 9.99 6.52 3.86 2.4 1.40 1.47 0.21 0.18 Table 32: Tree number according to diameter class DBH Class 35 - 39,9 40 - 44,9 45 - 49,9 50 - 54,9 55 - 59,9 60 - 64,9 65 - 69,9 70 - 74,9 > 75 Total No.

of trees 621 379 197 87 58 26 21 15 27 1,434 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 37 of 78 s e e r t f o .

o N Graph 27: No.
o N Graph 27: No.

of trees according to diameter class Table 33: Tree species distribution Species Kaudamu Yasiyasi Mavota Sacau Kauvula Kaunigai Vutukana Laubu Bauvudi Damanu others Total Total number 252 176 126 104 91 86 83 78 62 51 352 1,434 % 17.57 12.27 8.79 7.25 6.35 6.00 5.79 5.44 4.32 3.56 22.66 100 Sandalwood Development Project The 2017 – 2018 fiscal year was very challenging but a productive one for the Sandalwood Development Project.
There were a few new activities that were identified to be implemented at community level in order to continue promoting this development activity and most importantly, for the betterment of sandalwood activity in Fiji.

These new activities do not change the main objectives of this development programme that is to develop and promote sandalwood resources in Fiji at national level and to enhance the betterment of livelihoods while maintaining and promoting sustainable communities.
The total budget allocated for this capital project was $100,000.00 and was used to execute the different project activities from implementation at the community level, other administrative purposes and the salary for the Project Officer.

The activities are; i. ii.

iii.

iv.

v. vi.


Sandalwood Field Planting Activity; Sandalwood Awareness Activity; Sandalwood Inventory Activity; Sandalwood Value Adding & Market Consultation Activity; Project Officer Salary; Project Stores, Administration & Payment of Overtime Hours.

The Sandalwood Development Project is a capital project funded and supported by the government for the past 8 years since its commencement in 2011.
The main idea of this development activity is to support the development at community level and at the same time, promote long term investments for our future generations.

Despite all the challenges and unplanned activities, the Sandalwood Development Project is rated prominently in the course of service delivery and implementation at community level.
Not only that, the engagement and involvement of other private partnerships create more opportunities and strengthen the development and betterment of sandalwood activity in Fiji.

These have all been achieved through a rigorous team effort by the Silviculture Research Division staffs together with the Sandalwood Development Project Officer, divisional offices and other government and non – government agencies and the communities as a whole who support and assist during the implementation phase.
Method of Implementation All the sites for project implementation and assistance were selected based from the lists of requests received at our office from various interested communities, individuals and stakeholders on sandalwood development activity.

A standard operating procedure was followed in the process of analysing the requested list before submitting to the Screening Committee for final approval of the request.
The requests were sorted out by Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 38 of 78 province and districts to allow easy implementation and avoid complaints from the public for any bias decision.

these Sandalwood inventory and market consultation activity are two major new activities that commenced this year for this sandalwood development project.
The main objective of two activities is to maintain and support this development activity at national level and ensure that the end point of the development is well structured by the market force and demand.
The sandalwood inventory activity was first conducted on some of the natural distribution sites and targeting other project sites to provide an update on the current sandalwood resources available locally, the ownership and even measurement were done on some selected trees for the diameter at 30 centimeters from basal and the height of the tree for further analysis.

This sandalwood inventory activity will be conducted for the next 3 years.
For the very first round of sandalwood market consultation locally, the data was presented, some of our available and existing sandalwood buyers to promote the sandalwood industry in Fiji and find solutions to improve our implementation at community level and most importantly for the benefits of the resource owner during harvesting phase.

the age of trees, the Project management at community level is one of the key important areas that we considered during planning and implementation phases.
This is one of the serious factors that is required to be cleared in order to maintain the sustainability of the project and most importantly, for the people to get the maximum benefits of the project at manageable level.

The implementation of the project activities is done by the targeted communities, led by the Silviculture Research divisional staffs with the assistance from the three divisional offices (CE, West, North) and the Provincial Offices.

assistance.
assistance.

The Field Planting This activity is mainly focused at community level for sandalwood establishment and sandalwood planting seedlings were all raised and nurtured in all our 3 divisional offices; North, Central & Eastern and Western Division before distributed for planting.
Though the project has different seeds sources, it takes into account the fact of preserving our native species of sandalwood and avoid the chances of hybridity of species on the ground to maintain the purity of heartwood extracted in the harvesting phase for maximum benefits.
targeted sites those to Table 34: Planting achievement Quarterly Quarter Target (Ha) 2017-2018 Output (Ha) 1 2 3 4 TOTAL 6.25 6.25 6.25 6.25 6 7 10 6 25 Hectares 29 Hectares Overall Achievement (%) 96% 112% 160% 96% 116% 20 0 ) A H ( S E R A T C E H Graph 28: Quarterly target vs. output for filed planting 6 1 7 2 10 QUARTER 3 6 4 Quarterly Target Output Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 39 of 78 The annual target for 2017 – 2018 is to establish 25 hectares of sandalwood at community level through community assistance and private partnerships with other interested stakeholders.
The results are as follows; Graph 29: Total area planted by province in 2017 - 2018 2 2 1 3 2 2 1 1 1 0.5 1 0.5 3 2 1 6 HECTARES 10 0 PROVINCE Awareness Output Quarter Table 35: Awareness Quarterly Target 2 sites 2 sites 2 sites 2 sites 8 sites 1 2 3 4 TOTAL 4 sites 3 sites 5 sites 2 sites 14 sites Overall Achievement (%) 200% 150% 250% 100% 175% The main objective of this community awareness activity is basically to build up capacity and improve knowledge and skills on sandalwood technology at community level for the betterment of sandalwood development activity.
The success of any development at community level is highly dependent on the level of knowledge and skills the people have to execute the activity in the rightful manner.

Therefore, the sandalwood project has always considered this activity as one of its core roles over the past few years for the sustainability of the activity, especially on field planting method and management.
Not only through community awareness as per planned, but it is also done live broadcasting programme on various radio stations and television, government road show and other exhibition.

The main reason for doing this is to information and disseminate sandalwood technology to the general public and at the same time, promote the sandalwood commodity as part of the ministry’s development.
Graph 30: Community Awareness carried out per quarter through s s e n e r a w A Quarter Quarter 3 Quarter 2 Quarter 4 Quarter 1 s e t i s 6 4 2 4 2 0 5 3 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 40 of 78 Inventory The sandalwood inventory activity was initiated by the Ministry of Forestry and it is one of the major activities of Sandalwood Development Project in 2017 – 2018 programmes.
The sites were randomly selected and visited by the Silviculture Research Division staffs with the assistance of Divisional Forestry Offices (DFOs); Northern, Western Central & Eastern, Provincial Offices, turaga ni koros’ and communities for data collection.

This inventory data is essential to fully support the idea of introducing sandalwood policy and regulation to improve sandalwood management and market stability in Fiji.
In the course of conducting sandalwood inventory activity, the number of sandalwood trees in all sites were recorded and marked with GPS for mapping purposes.

Certain attributes were considered such as the ownership, age of the trees, the species that existed and the locality.

The following table represents the percentage of sandalwood population recorded in the Divisions according to the age of trees.
Table 36: Sandalwood population by age Division North West Central/Eastern Total Total Population 2,190 trees 2,494 trees 10,949 trees 15,633 trees 1 – 5 Years 1,704 6 – 10 Years 11 – 15 Years 16 – 20+ Years 352 134 - 2,145 349 - - 7,518 3,084 347 - 11,367 3,785 481 - Value adding & Market consultation The main objective of this consultation activity was to engage all existing and known sandalwood buyers locally for the betterment of harvesting and marketing process.
Currently, there are no proper rules and regulations established to safeguard the sandalwood resource owners and the buyers.

This is one of the main reasons that led to the overexploitation of the sandalwood species in Fiji over the past decades.

Consultations were done in all three divisions; Central & Eastern, West and Northern respectively.

A few of the guest speakers were invited with other local sandalwood investors.
Other sections from divisional offices were also engaged in this consultation such as Timber Inspection unit, Tree Improvement unit and also a speaker from the Ministry of Environment.

The summary of the consultation is provided in the table below.

Table 37: Consultation No.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.


Organisation Sustainable Forest and Landscape Management Pillar Land Resources Division Pacific Community (SPC) Fiji China Business Council, Suva Wee Kong Marine Export Company Limited, Suva Ministry of Environment Suva Topics Address the areas on Sandalwood Policy & Regulation and how Fiji can work together with other Pacific islands to improve the marketing process of sandalwood commodity in order for the resource owners to get the maximum benefits out of it.
Local sandalwood investors Local sandalwood investors Address the importance of CITES.

Sandalwood species is also under CITES lists and it is regulated in Fiji under Endangered and Protected Species Act (EPS Act) 2017.

Representative from Nawai, Nadi Represents the sandalwood resource owner.

Representative Nakadrudru, Bua Local sandalwood investors & farmer Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 41 of 78 Table 37: Consultation No.

7.

8.
7.

8.

Organisation Ministry of Forestry Divisional Forestry Office – West Timber Inspection Unit Lautoka Office Ministry of Forestry Silviculture Research Division Tree Improvement Section Coloisuva Topics Address the issue on sandalwood export.

The current process to be followed to get the export permit and any other necessary requirements to be followed by the investors.

Also include some of the way forward that we need to consider for the betterment of sandalwood in Fiji locally.
Highlight some of the key research areas on sandalwood species during planting to adult stage.

Discussion and Analysis Since sandalwood field planting and capacity building activity is an ongoing activity from the past 5 years or so, it is found that the rate of implementation is much faster and easier as compared to the rest of the activities.
The main reason behind that is to get people and communities be aware of the activity and getting them interested to engage in this development activity for various purposes.

While sorting out different request letters received at our office from different applicants throughout the year, there are only 3 major objectives of the request highlighted in almost every letter.

These objectives are: 1) 2) 3) Long term investment for future generations; Community development; and Alternative source of livelihood.
This is one of the great impacts of sandalwood awareness activity and other means of media programmes used to broadcast this development activity at national level.

Also, the importance of creating public and private partnership with other stakeholders; government and non – government agencies, majority of these sandalwood woodlots and plantation established and assisted through technical advice and establishment of plot this year are privately owned.
The highest number of farms are from the Western and Northern Divisions.

Sandalwood inventory activity is one of the new activities commenced in this fiscal year for the purpose of counting and mapping the current sandalwood resource stock available in Fiji.

This activity will be running for a period of three (3) consecutive years.

The main target for this year is to revisit all the project and natural distribution sites for sandalwood.
This is one of the main reasons the highest percentage of sandalwood is from 1 – 5 years old within the three (3) main divisions; Central & Eastern, West and North respectively.

For those sites that have some trees more than 11 – 15 years old, its either natural distribution sites or the planting was done long time ago from the existing mother trees that grow in the nearby areas, before the commencement of the sandalwood development project in 2011.
Some sandalwood populations in these areas grow wildly as well and this is from the natural regeneration of the seeds or newly grown shoots from the roots.

Key Findings: ▪ The highest number of sandalwood populations planted and grown within the 3 divisions range from 1 - 5 years old.

This clearly shows that due to lack of knowledge and skills, people were not interested to engage in such development activity over the past decades.
▪ Most of the old sandalwood trees, 6 – 10 years old, are called mother trees and almost half of them were from existing population.

▪ Sandalwood species also have a fast regeneration rate.

From one mother tree, especially for wildings, an average of 3 young trees can be grown to the size of the mother tree if proper thinning and management are done in timely manner.

It is either from the fallen matured seeds or newly grown shoots from the roots.
▪ Santalum album & Santalum hybrid are the two dominant species in almost newly established areas.

This is due to their growth rates and are well adapted to the climate in Fiji.

Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 42 of 78 ▪ The Santalum yasi highly exists in natural distribution areas.

However, requires more management and at early stage.

▪ Sandalwood species grow very healthy and strong in most areas, but the basal diameter and height varies a lot.

▪ Low-cost implementation.


▪ All these population are privately owned, but most are planted and grown in the Mataqali land.

▪ Large scale planting is mainly done by leased owners, especially in the Western division whereas for communities, planting is done in small numbers (scattered).

After the first round of market consultation conducted within the three divisions in this financial year, a Sandalwood Market Concept was drawn up for the second rotation of consultation.
This is to open up ideas and opportunities for the betterment of sandalwood trade in Fiji.

Currently, there are no existing regulations established to safeguard the resource owners from any illegal operation locally or monitor the local investors in terms of harvesting, marketing and manufacturing.

Therefore, this is one of the key activities that the Ministry will continue work on for the next 3 years.
Certain topics discussed during the consultation were constructive for developing and improving the sandalwood industry in Fiji.

One of the major threats to the sandalwood business is the availability of stock.

Fortunately, the project team was able to present some of the inventory data during the consultation to reassure them that government is focusing on this commodity species for the next 5 – 10 years.
Additionally, the operation of middle agents is also a major threat to both parties; the resource owner and the market as well.

For that reason, the Ministry will continue to scale up monitoring to counter all illegal operation, reviewing all the sandalwood buyer’s profile and register those selected investors who will bring positive impact to the society and to the nation as a whole.
TIMBER UTILISATION RESEARCH & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT The Timber Utilisation Research & Product Development Divisions is responsible for the research and investigation of wood properties of all native and exotic timber, formulation, establishment and implementation of quality management system for timber processing and timber utilisation; and administer timber trade through product development, quality controls.
The Timber Utilisation and Research Division consist of four sections namely: ▪ Wood Properties ▪ Conversion/Sawmilling ▪ Timber Preservation ▪ Timber Inspectorate The main activities carried out this financial year include: ▪ Research and studies on properties and potential uses of the indigenous and exotic timber species; ▪ Trade assistance and technical advice including the provision of various support services to all stakeholders and also contributing to training; ▪ End user assistance including the provision of various utilisation advisory and consumer protection services; ▪ Licensing and monitoring of all sawmills and timber treatment plants operating on a commercial basis ▪ Export and import inspection, and licensing; and ▪ Operate the sawmilling and woodworking research: and facilities on a semi commercial basis (TMA).
WOOD PROPERTY SECTION Objectives of this section is to • To conduct timber identification services within the Department and the trade.

• To study the properties of the lesser-known and lesser used species.

• To assess wood quality of exotic and indigenous species in research trial plots.

Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 43 of 78 • To provide technical assistance and information services to the trade on seasoning operations.
• To compile research documents as and when required With a budget allocation of $150,000 to carry out the “Research and Development for Wood and Non-Wood Species” project activities carried out included the research study on the effects of pine resin tapping on wood quality, the completion of service trial bure and the purchase of a mini Pellet Machine.
Effects of Pine tapping on wood quality The study on the effects of pine resin tapping on wood quality continued during the financial year (August 2017- July 2018).

A main activity was the identification of an insect found on the research site.

The process of insect identification was initially carried out at the Silviculture Research Division, identifying the insect as a long horn beetle (Cacodacnus herbridanus).
However, the Division could not confirm the species the insect belonged to and whether it fed on the plant or used it as a host only.

Through the assistance of SPC Nabua further assistance in the identification of the insects was provided by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), New Zealand through email.

MPI NZ identified the insect as Cacodacnus herbridanus, a long horn beetle from the sub family Prioninae, which is recorded in Viti Levu (Fiji), Norfolk Island (Australia), New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
According to MPI NZ, not a lot is known about the biology of the Cacodacnus herbridanus, but a species from the same genus Cacodacnus planicollis from Australia is said to infest Pinus radiata plantations.

It is thought to have benefitted planted forest by enhancing the rate at which stumps and logs decay.
Sawmilling & Grading Recovery for both Untapped and Tapped pine are as follows: Table 38: Recovery of untapped and tapped pine Untapped Pine Tapped Pine Input Output Recovery 7.286m3 3.7498 m3 51% 6.632m3 3.3201 m3 50% Upon observation, it was noted that it was easier to rip the tapped logs compared to the untapped ones.

The resin from the untapped logs made it difficult for the blades to work and they had to be cleaned regularly.
Whereas compared to the tapped log, the blades worked freely through the logs since there was less resin in them.

Observation and the analysis of the grades of both tapped and non-tapped timber, determined whether tapped or untapped, it has minimum effect on the timber.
Density Analysis Results Table 39: Untapped Pine Density Results Table 40: Tapped Pine Density Results Moisture Content (MC) 68% Moisture Content (MC) Basic density Relative Density Green density Density @12% MC 555kg/m³ 580kg/m³ 924kg/m³ 622kg/m³ Basic density Relative Density Green density Density @12% MC 83% 525kg/m³ 541kg/m³ 943kg/m³ 589kg/m³ Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 44 of 78 Cutting of Density Discs from a Tapped Pine log Research Officer from Fiji Pine Ltd assisting in the cutting of density samples at TUD, Nasinu Conclusion Tapping has minimal effect on the pine timber itself as observed during the conversion process at the Nasinu Mill.
However, these are results of the trees that have only been tapped once.

While observing the research results, additional research is recommended to be conducted on trees that have been tapped more than once to obtain better and more firm results on the timber grades.

Completion of Service Trial Bure The request for the completion of Bure was submitted to the Ministry’s Head Quarters for approval.
The requests submitted included the carpenter cost (S. Chand Building Industries - $4,960.00) and the cost of pine timber (TMA- $3879.60).

All damaged structures had been removed and replaced with H3 treated pine timber.

The Service Trial Bure consists of various native species, including sa (Parinari insularum) which was used as the bure posts.

The intention was to test the natural durability (untreated and in ground contact) properties of sa.
In addition, the structural frames consisted of H3 treated dulewa species to test the species amenability and mechanical properties.

The sa posts and dulewa frames were assessed during the year, and no decays or insect attack was evident meaning that the posts and frames continued to be sound ever since the bure was constructed in May 2014.

Purchase of Mini Pellet Machine GEMCO Energy Limited was the sole supplier of the mini–pellet machine.
The Mini pellet request was approved on March 12, 2018 and procurement processes followed with Ministry of Economy to obtain the machine.

With regards to the pellet research, the species that will be tested are dulewa, kuluva and sa.

Discussions with the University of the South Pacific had been initiated to assist the Ministry in obtaining the calorific value of these 3 species.

TIMBER PRESERVATION SECTION This Section carried out the inspection, licensing and monitoring of treatment plants.
Table 41: Treatment plants licensing Total Numbers Status Licensed Non-Operational Application pending 19 4 4 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 45 of 78 Quality Control – Laboratory Preservative Loading Tests (August 2017-July 2018) laboratory Total No.

of Sample The facilities at Nasinu was utilised throughout the year on a “user-pay” basis for treated timber analysis and spot testing under the division’s control monitoring quality is scheme.
a summary of Treated timber products that was analysed based on the different Hazard Classes of Preservative Treatment with the total Revenue earned and total Samples submitted on a quarterly basis for the period of 2017-2018.

Table 42: Treated Timber Samples and Hazard Hazard Level H2 H3 H4 H5 H6 100% - 0.00% 99% 1.0% 4 24 60% 40% 31 1.39% 98.61% - 81 514 60 2228 - 81 510 36 2197 - No.

Passed % Fail % Pass No.
Failed Tabulated - Table 43: Total revenue earned with timber samples submitted in quarterly basis Quarter Quarter 1- Aug 2017-0ct 2018 Quarter 2 -Nov 2017 – Jan 2018 Quarter 3- Feb-April 2018 Quarter 4- May-July 2018 TOTAL Total Samples Analysed 640 1,572 605 66 2,883 Total Revenue $12,036.95 $ 28,970.85 $11,239.45 $1,229.75 $53,477.00 Graph 31 represents the total number of samples sent in for analysis by individual sawmills and total revenue earned from analysing samples on quarterly basis.
There was a huge increase of timber samples submitted and revenue earned in quarter 2 as this was the period when most of the saw millers were licensed and also operating.
40000 30000 20000 10000 0 Graph 31: Column Graph of Samples vs. Revenue Q1-Q4 Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Total Samples Analysed Total Revenue Graph 32: Line graph of Revenue, samples from 2010-2018 $60,000.00 $50,000.00 $40,000.00 $30,000.00 $20,000.00 $10,000.00 $0.00 R e v e n u e 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Revenue Generated ($) No.

Of Sample Analysed No.


of Samples 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 The above graph signifies the total number of samples and total revenue generated from 2010-2018.

There was a huge increase in the revenue figure from 2017 to 2018 due to an increase in the number of samples Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 46 of 78 sent by saw millers, mostly Tropik Wood Industries for their rural electrification project poles supplied to Energy Fiji Limited (EFL).
Table 44: Summary of Total Volume Sawn and Round Timber treated for 2017-2018 Quarter Hazard Level H2 1 H3 2 H4 3 H5 4 TOTAL Timber Product Sawn Timber (Indoor) Sawn Timber (Outdoor) Round Wood (Fence Post) Round Wood (FEA Poles) Volume Treated (m3) 2,614.868 27,149.725 666.942 1,174.975 31,606.510m³ Monitoring and Inspection Field Activities Monitoring of Wood Processing facilities including sawmills and treatment plants was carried out in the three Divisions namely Central eastern, Northern and Western.
The inspection was conducted to ensure that saw millers and treatment plant operators are complying with the conditions of their licenses and operating in accordance with the Forest (Preservative Treatment) Regulation, 1992 and Forest (Sawmills) Regulation, 1968.

SAWMILLING SECTION • Provided advice and technical assistance to the sawmilling industry aimed at improving quality and quantity of sawn-out-turn.
• Provided trade assistance and technical advice to wood industry in support of value-added concepts.

• Operated the Division’s sawmilling and wood working facilities on commercial operations.
TRADE ASSISTANCE & TECHNICAL ADVICE The following companies were rendered trade assistance from July 2017 to August 2018: • X Pro Electric • Shan Trading • Eco Lumber Pacific • Naduruvatu Sawmillers • Narayan Wood Products • Rishi Kumar Timber Supply • Lumber Tec Enterprises Ltd • H K Hardware Ltd The above companies were given technical advice on how to get provisional sawmill licenses.

They all applied for portable sawmill licenses and were all given 6 months provisional approval.
The Sawmills were strongly reminded about the importance of submitting their monthly sawmill returns on time so that the Ministry can analyse and have a fair idea of the effectiveness of their operations, and also the local timber consumption and the demand rate.

MONITORING OF SAWMILLS The licensing procedures of sawmills involves the initial submission of an application, issuance of a Provisional License.

This allows the applicant six months in which to set up the sawmill.
After the six months, an inspection is carried out to evaluate compliance with the requirements of and the Provisional License.

Once the inspection is satisfactorily completed, a full Sawmill License is issued, valid for one year.

This requires yearly renewal, pursuant to fulfillment of the conditions of the Forest (Sawmill) Regulation 1968.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 47 of 78 Monitoring specifications involve: ▪ Log yard management of Sawmillers; ▪ Assessment of cutting techniques utilised; ▪ Timber stacking methods assessment; ▪ Evaluation of occupational health and safety regulations enforcement; and ▪ employee up skilling in the various aspects of sawmilling.

The assessment of monitoring scores stood at an average of 75.7.

Improvement notice were immediately issued to companies with low compliance.
SUPPORT INCOME GENERATING FORESTRY PROJECTS THROUGH SUBSIDY & OTHER FINANCING OPTIONS Administration of SCARF Applicants were assisted with technical advice and also guided in the filling of the forms with other related requirements that were needed by FDB before approving the loan request.

A total of 17 scarf applications were facilitated by the division through HQ to the Fiji Development Bank.
The Ministry of Forestry fully supported the initiatives undertaken by the resource owners to venture into logging business to improve their livelihoods.

Forest Subsidy Programme Under this programme with a budget allocation of $50,000, the Ministry was able to assist 6 people with the procurement of their specialised value adding tools and machines.
This creates opportunity for those with skills and potentials for wood carving in order to boost their production while also enhancing the quality of their products.

Duty Exemption The division continued to provide administrative support in facilitating the request from the industries through the provision of support letter for duty exemption.

This included purchasing of logging machineries from other countries.
Companies that were assisted included; Table 45: Companies assisted for duty exemption Name Of Company Item/ Product Road Track Maintenance Group Fiji Ltd Bell Loader Southern Forest Product Fiji Ltd Vitican Enterprise Pte Limited Pinto Industries Limited Eco Lumber Pacific Ltd Saw Shop Grinders Saw Shop Bench Saw Shop Bend Sharpener Head Rig Band Saw Parts Saw Shop Saw Shop Bench Saw Mill Resaw Log Carriage Skidder Ford Tractor Portable Sawmill Edger(Eg100g14) Valebasoga Tropikboards Ltd 1×Pc 200-3 Excavator Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 48 of 78 Table 45: Companies assisted for duty exemption Name Of Company Item/ Product Road Track Maintenanace Group Fiji Ltd Cat Log Skidder Evergreen Timbers Pte Ltd Rishi Kumar Timbers Designtech Ltd Band Saw Brand New Loader Ma.U Wadkin Ga220 Moulder Finger Joint Profile& Press Old Gear Box Parts Head To Suit Moulder Pine Woodlot Logging/ Maritime Assistance The Ministry continued working in various pine schemes in Maritime zones and this included Cicia, Narocake (Gau), and Kadavu.
In this financial year, the Ministry focused on housing rehabilitations in the islands greatly affected by tropical cyclones.

Table 46: Assistance in Kadavu Pine Schemes No.

of Houses 16 2 4 teacher’s Quarters 20 5 15 1 house; 20 partly damaged 1 2 86 Village Namara Naikorokoro Vunisei Nukuvou Matasawalevu Dagai Drue Nasegai Nasalia No.

1 TOTAL Table 47: Assistance in Narocake Pine Scheme Location Yadua village & Nadrodro set.

Vadravadra village Lovu village TOTAL Tot.

No.


of houses Full House Extension 3 7 7 17 3 3 3 9 - 4 4 8 Table 48: Assistance in Cicia Pine Schemes Village Natokalau Naceva Mabula Tarukua Lomati TOTAL No.
of Houses 5 2 8 2 2 19 Tree Species 1 Mahogany, Vaivai, Tavola Tavola, Vaivai Tavola, Mahogany, Vaivai Mahogany, Tavola, Vaivai Vaivai, Pine Housing materials bought Piles, Bolt, Rod Piles, straps, nails Piles, straps, nails Piles, straps, nails Piles, straps, nails 2 incomplete 4 extensions Table 49: Capacity Building for Resource Owners Chainsaw Training Completed Naqara Tiliva Vunisei, Naceva Baidamudamu Nasegai, Ravitaki Chainsaw Issued Sanima Pine Scheme Namalata Pine Scheme Namuana Solodamu Yawe Portable Sawmill Training Conducted Namalata Pine Scheme Sanima Pine Scheme Yawe Pine Scheme Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 49 of 78 Chainsaw Training Completed Namuana, Tavuki Nalotu, Yawe Namara, Sanima Nukuvou, Nakasaleka Narikoso, Ono Chainsaw Issued Nasegai Portable Sawmill Training Conducted EXTENSION AND ADVISORY SERVICES These services have been decentralised to the 3 Operation Divisions in the Northern, Western and Central/Eastern Divisions to ensure wider outreach all over Fiji.
The extension officers are responsible for the promotion of sustainable forests management through instituting afforestation and reforestation to stabilise degraded and logged over sites and expansion of forest cover.

Reforestation of Degraded Forests Project The project is an ongoing capital project under the Ministry of Forestry targeting the reforestation of degraded areas for the whole of Fiji.

With an annual budget of $500,000 and target of 500ha, 410.66ha were planted in this financial year.
The two major species planted are Mahogany and Mangroves and this is because we involved private land owners and also business houses for the Reforestation project and they are mostly for mangrove planting Graph 33: Reforestation Achievement by division for 2017-2018 65.99 ha 216.27 ha 128.4 ha Graph 34: Species Distribution for 2017-2018 100,000 83,018 0 94,200 19,178 4,225 21,777 3,052 4,000 Northern Division Western Division Central Eastern Division Agro-forestry A total of 9 agro-forestry models were established during this fiscal year.
i. ii.

iii.

iv.

v. vi.

Nasogoivau, LDS School, Navatuyaba Rewa, Dawasamu Secondary School, Vunivaivai Nakelo, and 4 villages in Kadavu which is Yale, Ono, Buliya and Galoa.

This planting method was practiced as a source of livelihood for community, contour planting to prevent landslide together with Reforestation.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 50 of 78 Coastal Rehabilitation Work Apart from planting inland the division also worked on protecting our shoreline by collaborating with schools, communities, NGO’s, government bodies, companies and church groups in planting mangroves.

A total of 40,000 mangrove seedlings were planted this year.

No.
No.

of seedlings Table 50: Coastal tree planting with stakeholders Partnership M.B.H.S Fintel Naisausau R.F.M.F Vodafone Asco Motors Veiuto Primary School U.S.P E.c.e Ministry of Economy IDOF Venue 3,000 Nasese 4,000 Vatuwaqa 3,000 Naisausau Namara 10,000 Maritime Beah 4,000 Nasese 4,000 Laucala Beach 2,000 Veiuto School Compound 3,000 Nasese 2,000 Nasese 5,000 Nasese Awareness & Nursery Establishment A total of 16 awareness programmes were conducted and 4 community nurseries were established.
These nurseries were funded by the University of the South Pacific (USP) under the RESSCUE Project.
Activities that were included in this awareness were: • Awareness to the communities on the project Reforestation of Degraded Forest • Demonstration of planting native trees on rehabilitation sites or grasslands • Nursery set up demonstration • Potting of seedlings and rehabilitation • Coastal mangroves and coastal vegetation through planting All participants in the 16-awareness carried out were certified with basic nursery management.
More than 450 people were certified during the awareness programme of which 15% were women.
Gospel of reforestation and sustainable forest management had been disseminated around communities and the list of communities by divisions is listed below; Table 51: Awareness for communities Year Communities 2017-2018 1.Naveicovatu Thematic areas Importance of reserve Reforestation programme Forest Cover rehabilitation for Koro Island Native species importance Reserve and parks Forest Cover rehabilitation Native species importance Reforestation programme and its importance Reforestation programme.
Reforestation Sustainable Forest management Reforestation 2.Koro Island 13 Villagers 3.Rotuma 4.Navutu, Naitasiri 5.Bavo 6.Moala 8 Villagers 7.Nananu, Ra Responsible officer RDF PO RDF PO &AQEP RDF PO RDF PO RDF PO RDF PO &CI RDF & FAO Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 51 of 78 Table 51: Awareness for communities Year Communities 8.Tovu totoya, Lau 9.Dawasamu, Tailevu 10.Kadavu 11.Vatulele 12.Levuka 13.Ravita 14.Mamanuca Island 15.Naiyarabale 16.Dogotuki Thematic areas Sustainable forest management Reforestation Water catchment restoration Sustainable forest management Reforestation Water catchment restoration Sustainable forest management Reforestation Water catchment restoration Sustainable Forest management Reforestation Water catchment restoration Sustainable Forest management Reforestation Nursery management Sustainable Forest management Reforestation Nursery management Sustainable Forest management Reforestation Sustainable Forest Management Training Sandalwood training Reforestation Water catchment restoration Sustainable Forest Management Training Seed sowing training Reforestation Sustainable Forest management training.
Sandalwood seed training Responsible officer RDF PO & CI RDF PO RDF PO RDF PO and C/E RDF PO & DFO C/E RDF PO & DFO North RDF PO & DFO W RDF & Extension team Northern division RDF & Extension team Northern division Radio Talk Back Shows The project had also been involved in radio talk back shows to create more awareness on tree planting; Table 52: Talkback show by RDF team Talk back show date 6th October 2017 29th November 2017 19th March, 2018 Issues discussed Reforestation of Degraded Forests and Forestry Training on Forest Wardens with Forestry Training Centre Sustainable Forest Practices with Timber Production and Forest Conservation Preparation of the International Day of Forest Awareness Seedling Production Table 53: Transplanted count Indigenous Species Mavota Moli Nawanawa Vesi Koka Yasi TOTAL 413 109 561 1,702 2,785 Exotic Total 413 56 109 561 1,702 183 3,024 56 183 239 Table 54: Nursery stock Species Indigenous Exotic Total Total 15,407 1,697 17,104 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 52 of 78 Reforestation of Indigenous Species This new project was allocated $250,000.00 this financial year with the objective to revive and restock forests with indigenous tree species.
The target for the year was to establish a nursery on the Queens highway in the Forestry Vunimaqo station and this was done successfully with the new nursery launched before end of the financial year.
Official opening of the first indigenous tree species nursery by the Honourable Osea Naiqamu at Vunimaqo station ITTO Project – Community based restoration & sustainable management of vulnerable forests of the Rewa Delta, Viti Levu This project, which started in 2015, is one of the Ministry’s internationally funded projects with the aim of sustainably managing coastal and mangrove forest areas.
The project is also supported by the University of the South Pacific, the Conservation International and the Secretariat of the Pacific Communities.

ITTO Project has 2 components for implementation and they are: Component 1: Community Awareness and Alternative Livelihood Options; and Component 2: Restoration and Rehabilitation of Degraded Coastal and Mangrove Wetland.
This year, the Project has completed its first component which was the ‘Community Awareness and Alternate Livelihood Options’ for all its 6 Project sites around the Rewa Delta and is currently undertaking its second and third component.

The tremendous assistance from all the specialised Divisions in the Ministry as well as from the collaborating partners is to be highly acknowledged.
Additionally, a Management Action Plan and a Land Use Mapping Plan has also been successfully designed for the respective Project sites.

Furthermore, the training focused its activities on four main areas: i. ii.

iii.

iv.
Raising awareness and improving the understanding of ecosystem services, mangrove systems and coastal ecosystems amongst the communities; Implementing an applied management action plan for the conservation of mangrove land and sustainable agricultural practices on sloping terrain; Capacity building through the strengthening for the village based natural resources committee; and Promoting alternative sustainable livelihoods through collaboration and technical support from partnering agencies and organisations.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 53 of 78 Photo 1: Participants being engaged in group works Photo 2: Forestry staff teaching the participants on seed sowing techniques A water initiative programme is also in progress for Natila Village.

During the 1-week training under component 1 in Natila village, the training team witnessed that a major issue the village was facing was lack of water supply and clean drinking water.
For component 2 of the Project, it has achieved at least 70% of its targeted output.
These included, in addition to the community trainings on tree seed collection & establishment of nursery, ▪ The construction of 6 temporary nurseries, ▪ The raising of coastal seedlings (which includes fruit trees and native trees), ▪ Setting up of ITTO billboards on all project sites, ▪ Talkback show on Radio Fiji 2 on Mangrove restoration and Conservation, ▪ Making publication of ITTO Project on the newspaper, ▪ Commencement of planting phase on 3 of the villages [Sandalwood, Mahogany, Coconut, Breadfruit, Rose apple, Kumquat, Hybrid mango, Sour sop, Thailand guava], ▪ Appointment of nursery attendant; ▪ Signing of Contractual Agreement with the attendant & pays $54.00/ fortnight, ▪ Visit by the International National Project Managers, ▪ 2nd Steering Committee meeting.
FOREST PARKS, RECREATION AND RESERVES The Forest Parks & Forest Reserves section under the Forest Resource Assessment and Conservation division is mandated to look after the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park along with all the forest reserves in Fiji.

The section also administers over and manages seventeen (17) forest reserves and seven (7) nature reserves for a total of twenty-four reserves (24) under the Division.
The Nature and Forest reserve areas that were set up to safeguard biodiversity is likely to be affected by man in a number of ways.

Increasing human populations is expected to cause deforestation and wildlife species will migrate to areas with more favorable temperatures and therefore the division is also tasked with addressing land use and conservation issues.
Forest and biodiversity conservation as well as the management of existing protected area’s role needs to be relooked at due to the ever-changing landscape of our world due to climate change.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 54 of 78 Colo-i-Suva Forest Park The Colo-i-Suva Forest Park is a model for forest ecotourism which enhances the forestry sector through generating revenue for the Government from all the visitors to the park while also showcasing the natural beauty of forests with recreational values as well as its wildlife.

The Colo-i-Suva Forest Park is located within the Colo-i-Suva Forest reserve.
The Forest Park adjoins three mataqali lands of Kalabu village namely Mataqali Tuirara, Mataqali Mataqali Matanikorovatu Naulukarowa.

Up until the 1940s, the forested area of Colo-i-Suva was subjected forestry, settlement agricultural development.

Then in 1953, the Colo-i-Suva Forest reserve, 913 acres of native land was leased and gazette.

In 1963, ten years after the reserve was established, 92ha was set aside and proclaimed the Colo- i-Suva Forest Park.
Well known of its natural beauty with recreational values as well as its proximity to the urban areas, the ministry ventured to promote understanding and awareness of its forest values socially and economically.

extensive and and to Colo-i-Suva Park, as a popular local picnic spot, was visited by 199,972 visitors (locals & tourists) and earned a total of $90,892 in revenue (entry fees) from Aug 2017- Jul 2018.
Table 55: Visitor numbers and revenue collected Period Revenue (FJ$) The second quarter recorded the highest number of visitors to the park, however these were mostly locals.

In the third quarter, the number of visitors dropped drastically, however the revenue remained the same as there were a lot of foreigners/tourists.
Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 TOTAL $15,733.00 $27,896.50 $27,199.00 $20,063.50 $90,892.00 Visitors 6,248 172,478 12,044 9,202 199,972 Birds in the Park The bird life in the park is of international importance.

Of all the fifty-seven (57) land birds in Fiji there are about 30 bird species found in the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park.

Out of the 57 land birds 26 are found to be endemic whereas for Colo-i-Suva Forest Park there 17 endemic bird species found in the park.
Some many visitors come for a dip in the many pools inside the park, some visitors come to the park come only to do bird watching.

Some of the birds found inside the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park are listed below.
Scarlet robin Barking pigeon Bush warbler Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 55 of 78 Spotted fan-tail Musked parrot Fiji goshawk Pool Cleaning, Track Repairs, Park Renovations The pool cleaning activities included clearing of humus, scrubbing of pool cement and removal of silt along the pavement for the upper pool area only.

This took place once every quarter for the upkeep of the pools.

The section also repaired a few tracks and walkways inside the Forest Park.
This is a must as the safety of our visitors is paramount and we must ensure that they enjoy their visit to the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park.

There was a total of 8 bures repaired inside the park.

Launching of the Nabalasere Ecotourism Forest Park The Nabalasere Ecotourism Forest Park was launched by the Minister for Forestry, Honourable Osea Naiqama on Friday 29th September.

2017.
2017.

The completion of the park and improvement in forest trail was made possible through partnership between the Nabalasere village community and the Fijian government and was also supported under the Global Environment Fund under the Forest and Protected Area Management (GEF FPAM).
One of the objectives of the establishment of the Ecotourism Park was to support alternative income generating initiatives that would assist in the welfare and livelihood of the community members, while ensuring that the natural pristine forests and ecosystems are preserved.
Nabalasere, which is located on the Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 56 of 78 north-eastern aspect of Viti Levu, is part of the “Greater Tomaniivi” landscape which has been developed as a protected area for its rich biodiversity.

Forest Reserves and Nature Reserves The Parks & Reserves section administers over and manages 17 Forest Reserves and 7 Nature Reserves under legal gazette.
These reserves have been identified as having a diverse range of wildlife and tree species, has areas susceptible to soil erosion and areas of public interest such as water catchment areas.

Boundary maintenance were carried out for the following reserves in this financial year.

Table 56: 2017-2018 Achievements No.


Reserves visited Qaranibuluti Nature Reserve Nadarivatu Nature Reserve Qoya Forest Reserve Korotari Forest Reserve Taveuni Forest Reserve & Ravilevu Nature Reserve Wabu Nature Reserve Tomaniivi Forest Reserve Coloisuva Forest Reserve Activities Boundary demarcation Boundary demarcation Field inspection and monitoring Reserve monitoring Village awareness Reserve monitoring Reserve monitoring Reserve maintenance and monitoring Table 57: Forest Reserves No.
Location/Name Taveuni Buretolu Nadarivatu – Nadala Maranisaqa & Wainiveitoa Qoya Tavua Ravilevu Vago Province Year Established Area (HA) Cakaudrove Ba Ba Naitasiri Rewa Ba Cakaudrove Naitasiri 1914 1926 1954 1955 1955 1958 1959 1959 11,290.7 1,197.9 7,400.7 77.3 67.2 2 rods 4,018.7 24.7 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 57 of 78 No.

Location/Name Province Year Established Area (HA) Korotari Yarawa Savura Colo-i-Suva Suva & Namuka Harbour, incl.
Draunibota, Labiko & Vuo Island Lololo Naboro Saru Creek 17 Wabu Total Table 58: Nature Reserves No.
1 2 3 Location/Name Nadarivatu Tomaniivi Naqaranibuluti 4 5 6 7 Ravilevu Draubota & Labiko Vuo Island Vunimoli Total Cakaudrove Serua Naitasiri Naitasiri Rewa Lautoka Rewa Lautoka Ba 1961 1962 1963 1963 1963 1968 1969 1973 1992 Province Ba Ba Ba Cakaudrove Rewa Rewa Cakaudrove Year Established Area (HA) 1956 1958 1958 1959 1959 1960 1968 1,046.9 161.9 447.6 369.5 19.0 8.3 19.0 3.2 2,907.0 29,059.6 93.08 1,323.33 279.23 4,018.54 2.22 1.2 20.2 5,737.83 Table 59: Other Parks & Reserves No.
Location/Name Province Year Established Area (HA) J. H. Garrick Memorial Park Namosi Namenalala island Nature Reserves Tavakubu Saweni beach Lomolomo Nukulau island Yadua Taba island Bua Ba Ba Ba Rewa Bua Waisali Forest Amenity Reserve Cakaudrove Vaturu Forest Amenity 10 Sigatoka Sand Dunes 11 Wasavulu 12 13 Batiniwai Protected Forest Bouma Forest Park 14 Waikatakata Archaeological Park 15 Tavuni Hill Fort 16 Mount Evans Forest Park Ba Nadroga Vanua Levu Serua Taveuni Nadroga Nadroga Ba 17 Lavena Coastal Walk & Nature Attractions Taveuni Total Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 58 of 78 ENCROACHMENT The Parks unit received some complaints from the public about encroachment into the forest reserves.
Some of the complaints received were regarding the Colo-i-Suva Forest Reserve, the Taveuni Forest Reserve and the Ravilevu Nature Reserves.

The staff conducted their monitoring and also awareness to the communities and villages living on the periphery of these reserves.
Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 59 of 78 APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR AUG 2017 - JUL 2018 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 60 of 78 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2018 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 61 of 78 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2018 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2018 Table of Contents INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT .......................................................................................................... 1 MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE .......................................................................................................................... 4 STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE ....................................................................................... 5 APPROPRIATION STATEMENT ........................................................................ ................................................. 6 TMA-MANUFACTURING ACCOUNT -TIMBER UTILIZATION DNISION ....................................... 7 TMA-TRADING ACCOUNT -TIMBER UTILIZATION DNISION ......................................................... 8 TMA-PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT -TIMBER UTILIZATION DNISION ................................... 9 TMA-BALANCE SHEET -TIMBER UTILIZATION DNISION .............................................................. 10 STATEMENT OF LOSSES ................................................................................................................................... 11 NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ............................................. 12 OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL Excellence in Public Sector Auditing Ratu Sukuna House 6-STH Floor, 2-10 McArthur P. O.
Box 2214, Government Suva, Fiji St Buildings Telephone: (679) 330 9032 Fax: (679) 330 3812 E-mail: info@auditorgeneral.gov.fj Website: http://www.oag.gov.fj all!,..
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT MINISTRY OF FORESTRY I have audited the financial statements of the Ministry of Forestry which comprise the Statement of Receipts and Expenditure, Appropriation Statement, Statement of Losses, TMA Manufacturing Account, TMA Trading Account, TMA Profit and Loss Statement and TMA Balance Sheet for the year ended 31 July 2018, and notes to and forming part of the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.
In my opinion, except for the effects on the matters described in the Basis of Qualified Opinion paragraph, the accompanying financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the Financial Management Act 2004 and Finance Instructions 2010 and Finance (Amendment) Instructions 2016.

Basis for Qualified Opinion Operating Fund Account 1.

Expenditures amounting to $351,097 were not recorded in the Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the year ended 31 July 2018.
This amount relates to unrecorded expenditures which were paid as accountable advance but were not cleared from the Revolving Fund Account as at 31 July 2018.

Consequently, the expenditure balance of $13,300,906 for the year ended 31 July 2018 is understated by $351,097.

2.

There is an unreconciled variance of $850,831 between the Financial Management Information System (FMIS) general ledger and the Ministry's payroll report for both Established Staff and Government Wage Earners.
Consequently, I was unable to establish the accuracy of the Established Staff Government and Wage Earners balances recorded in the Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the year ended 31 July 2018.

Trading and Manufacturing Account 3.

There is an unreconciled variance of $105,769 between the TMA bank reconciliation and the Cash at Bank general ledger balance.
Consequently, I am not able to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the Cash at Bank balance of $1,567,496 recorded in the TMA Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2018.

4.

The Ministry with the approval of the Ministry of Economy transferred a sum of $2.5 million in 2016 to the Trading and Manufacturing Activity (TMA) account from its operating budget for the purpose of salvaging logs after Tropical Cyclone Winston.
Although an amount of $569,014 was utilised for this purpose in 2018, deferred income account was not adjusted accordingly.

Deferred income balance for 2017 of $2,198,548 remained the same in 2018.

In addition, the cash at bank balance of $1,567,496 recorded in the TMA Balance Sheet was not sufficient to support the remaining Deferred Income balance of $2,198,548.
1 Emphasis of Matter Without further qualifying the opinion, attention is drawn to the following: • The TMA account continues to operate at loss since 2010.

• There was an overall excess of liabilities over assets of $338,272 in the TMA Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2018.

• The Ministry was using one Drawings account with Ministry of Fisheries for the year ended 31 July 2018. conducted my audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA).
My responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's paragraph of my report.

I am independent of the Ministry in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to my audit of the financial statements in Fiji and I have fulfilled other responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion.
Responsibilities Responsibilities of the Management and Directors for the Financial Statements The management of the Ministry is responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the Financial Management Act 2004 and Finance Instructions 2010 and Finance (Amendment) Instruction 2016 and for such internal control as the management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor's Responsibilities My objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes my opinion.

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISA will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISA, I exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit.
I also: • Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion.
The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one intentional omissions, resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Ministry's internal control.
2 • Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.

I communicate with the management and directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that I identify during my audit.
Ajay Nand AUDITOR-GENERAL Suva, Fiji 06 February 2020 3 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2018 We certify that these financial statements: ( a) (b) fairly reflect the financial operations and performance of the Ministry for the year ended 31 July 2018; and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Financial Management Act 2004, the Finance Instructions 2010 and Finance (Amendment) Instructions 2016 .

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Permanent Secretary Ministry of Forestry Date: � ....... ..... /��······ Maciu Waqa Principal Accounts Officer 4 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2018 REVENUE STATE REVENUE Native Timber Measurement Fees and Land Survey Vessel Registration License Fees Sale of Fish & Ice Miscellaneous Revenue Offshore Fisheries Management Fees Offshore Fisheries Access Fees Offshore Fisheries Application Fees Offshore Fisheries Levies Fees Offshore Fisheries Related Activity Fees Offshore Fisheries Miscellaneous Fees Offshore Fisheries Permitting Fees Offshore Fisheries Authorisation to Charter Fees Offshore Fisheries Record Fees TOTAL REVENUE EXPENDITURE OPERATING EXPENDITURE Established Staff Government Wage Earners Travel & Communication Maintenance and Operations Purchase of Goods & Services Operating Grants & Transfers Special Expenditure TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE Capital Construction Capital Purchases TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE Note 31 July 2018 ($) 31 July 2017 ($) Value Added Tax 606,512 978,487 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 13,300,906 23,012,137 5 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY APPROPRIATION STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2018 SEG Item Budget Estimate Appropriation Revised Actual Lapsed Changes Estimate Expenditure (Note 4) Appropriation Operating Expenditure ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) Established Staff 3,888,522 104,845 3,993,367 3,985,149 8,218 Government Wage Earners 1,370,363 412,053 1,782,416 1,777,129 5,287 Travel & Communication 463,238 (7,430) 455,808 448,305 7,503 Maintenance & Operations 1,296,440 (180,854) 1,115,586 1,099,416 16,170 Purchase of Goods & Services 1,126,784 (194,066) 932,718 931,733 985 Operating
 Grants & Transfers 794,524 (77,705) 716,819 716,819 Special Expenditure 2,817,019 (56,843) 2,760,176 1,021,839 1,738,337 Total Operating Expenditure 11,756,890 11,756,890 9,980,390 1,776,500 Capital Expenditure Capital Construction 2,270,000 2,270,000 2,072,004 197,996 Capital Purchases 1,364,000 1,364,000 642,000 722,000 Total Capital Expenditure 3,634,000 3,634,000 2,714,004 919,996 Value Added Tax 630,000 630,000 606,512 23,488 TOT AL EXPENDITURE 16,020,890 16,020,890 13,300,906 2,719,984 REASONS FOR SIGNIFICANT SA VIN GS The savings of $1,738,337 under the Special Expenditure (SEG 7) allocation resulted from Red Plus World Bank Component as Consultancy Funds Payments were on put hold due to non-delivery of output in 2017 - 2018 and delays in recruitment of the Red Plus National Coordinator in 2017 - 2018.
The savings of $722,000 under the Special Expenditure (SEG 9) was due to the Ministry not purchasing a bulldozer as it which was not supplied by the supplier.
6 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY TMA- MANUFACTURING ACCOUNT - TIMBER UTil,IZATION DMSION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2018 Opening Raw Materials Add: Purchases Less: Closing Raw Materials Raw Materials Used Add: Direct Labour Cost of Goods Manufactured transferred to Trading Account 31 July 2018 ($) 31 July 2017 ($) 178,541 190 178,731 211,881 (33,150) 126,060 92,910 16,791 16,791 178,541 (161,750) 202,131 40,381 7 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY TMA- TRADING ACCOUNT - TIMBER UTILIZATION DIVISION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2018 Sales Opening Finished Goods Add: Cost of Manufactured Goods Less: Closing Finished Goods Cost of Goods Sold Gross Profit transferred to Profit & Loss Statement 31 July 2018 ($) 31 July 2017 ($) 445,554 445,554 21,770 92,910 114,680 20,786 93,894 351,660 1,161,623 1,161,623 1,229 40,381 41,610 21,770 19,840 1,141,783 8 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY TMA - PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT - TIMBER UTILIZATION DIVISION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2018 Income Gross profit transferred from Trading Account Total Income Expenses Maintenance & Operations Other Expenses Special Expenses Total Expenses Net Loss 31 July 2018 ($) 31 July 2017 ($) 351,660 351,660 1,141,783 1,141,783 569,014 9,574 1,288,462 112 578,588 1,288,574 (226,928) (146,791) 9 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY TMA- BALANCE SHEET - TIMBER UTILIZATION DIVISION AS AT 31 JULY 2018 Assets Cash at Bank Raw Materials Accounts Receivable Finished Goods Total Assets Liabilities Deferred Income Deposits & Deductions Total Liabilities Net Assets Equity TMA Accumulated Loss Net Loss for the period Transfers to Consolidated Fund Total Equity 31 July 2018 ($) 31 July 2017 ($) 1,567,496 211,881 56,839 20,786 1,857,002 1,896,419 178,541 21,770 2,096,730 2,198,548 (3,274) 2,195,274 2,198,548 9,526 2,208,074 (338,272) (111,344) (341,190) (226,928) (568,118) 229,846 (338,272) (194,399) (146,791) (341,190) 229,846 (111,344) 10 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY STATEMENT OF LOSSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2018 Loss of Money There was no loss of money recorded for the financial year ended 2018.
Loss of Revenue There was no loss of revenue recorded for the financial year ended 2018.

Loss ( other than money) In accordance with the Procurement Regulations 2010 (Clause 52), the Permanent Secretary for Economy approved the disposal and write-off of the following items upon submission of the recommendations of the Board of Survey Report.
Assets Amount (S) I Motor Vehicles 411,690 78,230 7,991 497,911 11 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2018 NOTEl REPORTING ENTITY The Ministry of Forestry is responsible for the formulation of policies to ensure the long term sustainability of Fiji's forest resources, stimulate economic growth within Forestry sector and improve livelihoods for communities that rely on these resources.
The Ministry achieves this by ensuring a balance between resource utilization and resource conservation, and the development and ali ent of its policies, strategies and structures in order to better address emerging issues, capture emerging opportunities, ensure effective and efficient service delivery to all our stakeholders.
gnm The organization structure of the Ministry is being realigned to drive economic growth in the forestry sectors for the short and mid-term, and strategies for the mid to longer term to capture emerging opportunities such as wood energy ad carbon trading in the forestry sector.

The Ministry of Forestry operates a trading and manufacturing account that provides assistance in the processing and selling of pine products.
NOTE 2 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES a) Basis of Accounting In accordance with Government accounting policies, the financial statements of the Ministry of Forestry is prepared under the cash basis of accounting.

All payments related to purchases of fixed assets have been expensed.

The financial statements are presented in accordance with the requirements of Section 71(1) of the Finance Instructions 2010 and Financial Management Act 2004.
The preparation and presentation of a Statement of Assets and Liabilities is not required under the current government policies, except for that of the Trading and Manufacturing Accounts.

b) Accounting for Value Added Tax (VAT) All income and expenses are VAT exclusive.

The Ministry on a monthly basis takes out VAT output on total money received for expenditure from Ministry of Economy.

VAT input on the other hand is claimed on payments made to the suppliers and sub-contractors for expenses incurred.
The VAT payment as per the Statement of Receipts and Expenditures relates to the VAT input claimed on payments made to the suppliers and sub-contractors for expenses incurred and VAT payments to Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS).

Actual amount paid to FRCS during the year represents the difference between VAT Output and VAT Input.

c) Comparative Figures The financial year end for Government was changed from 31 December to 31 July in accordance with the Financial Management (Amendment) Act 2016.
In the 2016-2017 financial year, the financial statements were consolidated with the financial statement of Ministry of Fisheries and Forests as stated in the 2016-2017 Appropriation Act.

The 2017-2018 financial stateipents is only for the Ministry of Forests and does not consolidate with the Ministry of Fisheries.

For comparative purposes, the 2017 figures reflected are for Ministry of Fisheries and Forests.
12 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2018 NOTE 2 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) d) Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognised when the actual cash is received by the Ministry.

NOTE 3 SIGNIFICANT VARIATIONS The Native Timber Measurement revenue decreased by $46,532 or 14% in 2018 compared to 2017.
The decrease was due to closure of logging companies for non-compliance with Forestry Harvesting Code of practices, OHS issues and less indigenous and pine forests to be logged compared to previous years.

Miscellaneous fees majority comprise of fees charged at the Forest Park of $90,666, fees and deposits for SAGA/Train Tree/Pine of $40,749 and Management fees from Fiji Pine Limited of $31,512.
NOTE 4: APPROPRIATION MOVEMENTS Appropriation movements were made through virements as follows: V32001 V32002 V32003 V32004 V32005 DV3201 DV3202 SEG 04 SEG 04 SEG 06 SEG 04 SEG 07 SEG 04 SEG 04 SEG 04 SEG 08 SEG 0 l SEG 02 SEG 03 SEG 03 SEG 04 SEG 05 SEG 07 SEG 02 SEG 01 SEG 04 SEG 05 SEG 05 SEG 06 45,582 60,955 50,000 1,530 17,500 11,100 1,083 31,079 18,350 168,585 111,322 1,998 7,910 34,653 213,421 40,891 9,213 7,302 3,228 19,134 4,318 27,705 SEG 02 SEG 0 l SEG 01 SEG 02 SEG 01 SEG 02 SEG 02 SEG 07 SEG 01 SEG 08 SEG 02 SEG 01 SEG 0 l SEG 0 l SEG 02 SEG 0 l SEG 03 SEG 04 SEG 05 SEG 05 SEG 07 Amount ($) 45,582 60,955 19,933 31,597 8,242 21,441 29,863 819 396 18,350 170,792 76,706 34,408 67,537 229,339 Minister for Economy Permanent Secretary for Economy Minister for Economy 16,515 Permanent Secretary for Economy Permanent Secretary for Forestry 2,502 1,130 18,730 3 1,295 728 1 3 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2018 NOTE 5: TRADING AND MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY The Trading and Manufacturing Activity consists of commercial undertaking of processed timber and furniture's as reported above.
The Ministry of Forestry TMA Unit is currently under investigation by Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

Payment Vouchers and other correspondences relating to the TMA have been uplifted by FICAC Officers for investigation.
14 Comments and enquiries should be directed to: The Permanent Secretary for Forestry Ministry of Forestry Level 3 Takayawa Building Suva, Fiji Telephone: (+679) 3301 611 Facsimile: (+679) 3318 692 Website: www.forestry.gov.fj Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 77 of 78 Ministry of Forestry | Annual Report 2017 – 2018 Page 78 of 78