A new Interim Forest Stewardship Standard strengthens sustainable forestry in Fiji

The standard becomes effective on 15 March 2026.

Fiji’s forestry industry currently relies heavily on its exotic plantation resources, mainly Caribbean Pine, Mahogany, and a bit of Teak. Many of the country’s native forest types, including lowland and upland rainforests, cloud forests, dry forests, and mangroves, have been degraded and deforested over time due to a range of pressures. Before gaining independence from Britain in 1970, the Government of Fiji established forestry trials with exotic mahogany and pine, which proved to be the species best suited to the country's wet and dry zones.

Much of the country’s pine resources is managed by the Fiji Pine Group, while most of the mahogany is managed by the Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited (FHCL). Fiji Pine Limited obtained FSC certification in 2013, following years of pressure from its major Japanese buyer. The FHCL is under increasing pressure to obtain FSC certification to access European and American markets. The Fijian Government established both plantation companies on land leased from traditional iTaukei (Indigenous Fijian) landowners. Although the companies have governance structures in place, such as the Fiji Mahogany Trust and Fiji Pine Trust, to protect iTaukei rights and ensure their participation, the FSC certification process ensures these governance frameworks operate effectively.

After more than 10 years of being FSC certified, the Fiji Pine Limited reports:

“FSC certification has transformed our plantation governance from compliance-driven to values-driven. It reinforces landowners' rights, strengthens our environmental safeguards, and ensures that our operations meet international standards of transparency and accountability. For Fiji Pine Limited, it’s not just about market access—it’s about earning trust, locally and globally.”

Although the ongoing demand for agricultural products has historically been the key driver of deforestation since British colonisation, Fiji also now has extensive opportunities for reforestation and afforestation, which should be seriously considered as nature-based solutions for climate change resilience, adaptation, and mitigation. The IFSS for Fiji supports the development of a national governance framework for forest management, an area where coordinated guidance is still emerging. Furthermore, the FSC’s Verified Impact Program provides a strong structure for restoring ecosystems and connecting these efforts with international donors, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which supports long-term forest and community benefits.  

This is a statement of commitment from the FHCL in its pursuit of FSC certification:

“FHCL is committed to achieving FSC certification as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen sustainable forest management. The FSC framework provides a valuable pathway for us to enhance our environmental and social performance while ensuring long-term benefits for our landowners and communities. Through this process, FHCL aims to demonstrate transparency and accountability in the management, harvesting, and restoration of our forests. We view FSC certification not only as a market requirement but as a tool to improve our operational practices, support local livelihoods, and contribute to the national goals of sustainable forestry and climate resilience.”

The standard development process took place in 2024 and 2025. It would not have been possible without the valued contributions of key stakeholders, including the Fiji Pine Limited, Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited, Future Forests of Fiji, Fiji Mahogany Trust, Fiji Pine Trust, WWF Fiji, NatureFiji-MareqetiViti, TAB Industries, Fiji National University, Fiji Department of Environment, Fiji Ministry of Forestry, and Ridge to Reef Management.

The official (English) version of the standard is available for download in the FSC Document Centre. For further queries on the standard, please get in touch with the FSC Country Requirements programme via: country_requirements@fsc.org.