MINISTER FOR FISHERIES & FORESTS HON. ALITIA BAINIVALU'S RESPONSE TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT OF FIJI’S OPENING ADDRESS FOR PARLIAMENT 2026

The Honorable Speaker of Parliament,
Honourable Prime Minister,
Cabinet Ministers and Assistant Ministers,
The Honourable Leader of the Opposition,
Honourable Members of Parliament,
Viewers tuning in live on Parliament’s FB page,
Ladies and gentlemen.
Ni Sa Yadra Vinaka!

Honourable Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where we gather – Na Vanua Vaturaga o Nadonumai, vua na Turaga na Tui Suva.

Honourable Speaker, the Coalition Government has been running for three years and two months now – I had served for 18months as a Member of Parliament and Assistant Minister and now on to my 1year 8months as a Cabinet Minister.

Honourable Speaker as I look back, I can testify to God’s faithfulness and I am reminded time and time again of his word in Proverbs 19:21 – “That we may have many plans in our Hearts but it’s his Purpose that always Prevails” – for that Honourable Speaker I acknowledge God’s wisdom and guidance and his love that has never forsaken nor leave me.

Hon Speaker, please allow me to extend greeting to the people of Ra - Ni Sa Yadra Vinaka Lavo kai, Ako Kai, Lovara Kai – Au va yadra i yani ena nomuni vei delaniyavu Va’uraga ena loma ni Ikina Cokova’a o Saivou, Rakiraki, Nalawa kei Nakoro’ubu.

Hon Speaker, I would like to thank my Family and extended Family for their Endless Support and Prayerful Hearts – To my Dear Husband and my Beautiful Children – Thank you for Journeying with me and for Bearing with me - What an Experience it has been for us.

Honourable Speaker, I rise to respond to the visionary statement delivered by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Fiji and to reaffirm this Government’s steadfast commitment to advancing Fiji’s Fisheries and Forestry sectors within the broader national development framework of a whole-of-government approach. His Excellency’s emphasis on policy coherence, institutional coordination and integrated service delivery reflects a governance model that recognizes that no sector operates in isolation.

Honourable Speaker, the sustainable management of our oceans, forests, and natural capital requires precisely this integrated architecture where environment, economy, land, climate resilience, trade and social inclusion are aligned under a unified national agenda. In this regard, the Ministries responsible for Fisheries and Forestry are not standalone actors. We are central pillars in delivering food security, export earnings, climate mitigation, rural livelihoods and biodiversity conservation for Fiji.

FISHERIES
Honourable Speaker the Fisheries Sector is committed to aligning its efforts with the vision articulated by His Excellency, to root in unity, responsible governance, sustainable resource management, and inclusive economic transformation. Fiji’s ocean resources are not merely economic assets; they are the foundation of our food security, rural livelihoods, cultural identity, and national development and aspirations. As a large ocean state, we carry both privilege and responsibility.
 
Honourable Speaker, His Excellency underscored the importance of adopting a whole-of-government approach to sustainable development. The Ministry of Fisheries' roles and responsibilities support and complement the work of other line government agencies on achieving sustainable economic growth, ensuring environmental sustainability, eliminating poverty, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring the social and cultural well-being of all Fijians.

Strategic Priorities for 2026 and Beyond Honourable Speaker, His Excellency, reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to regional leadership and international advocacy for the long-term sustainability of our fisheries resources.

The Ministry of Fisheries remains committed to:
Enhancing the Fisheries Legislative Framework
Honorable Speaker, Over the past two years (2024 – 2025), the Ministry has achieved significant milestones, including the enactment of the:
●      Aquaculture Act 2024 – An act that regulates and promotes sustainable aquaculture practices, ensures environmental protection, supports livelihood and food security, and contributes to economic growth.
●Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025 – modernizes the enforcement and compliance framework of the Fisheries Act by introducing an inshore fixed penalty notice as a first-tier deterrent against non-compliance.

● New regulation for the sustainable management of the highly commercial lobster fishery. To ensure the sustainability of lobster populations, measures are in place to allow them to reach reproductive maturity, spawn, and reproduce before being harvested by fishers.

Our objective this year is clear: to remain steadfast in our commitment to completing the review and the enactment of the:
●  The Inshore Fisheries Management Bill - a Bill that modernizes the enforcement and updates regulations to reflect the modern fishing practices and technology.
● Offshore Fisheries Management Act and Regulations to align with modern standards and practices, strengthen enforcement, and better address current challenges.
●Aquaculture Regulations is progressing and aims to promote sustainable aquaculture development in Fiji.
 
Modernising monitoring and enforcement systems
Honourable Speaker, In light of the escalating incidence of illicit activities within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and inshore areas, the Ministry will heighten its Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) to counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. A significant milestone was achieved in April 2025, with the launch of the National Fisheries Surveillance and Operations Centre at the Fisheries Station in Walu Bay, equipped with a modern vessel monitoring system and satellite access, enabling real-time tracking of fishing vessels within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). We are leveraging technology and fostering collaboration among partners and stakeholders not only to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) but also to ensure our fisheries resources are managed sustainably for generations to come.
 
Optimising economic returns from fisheries resources
Honourable Speaker, with the support of our development partners, our primary focus is to increase the value retention of tuna caught in our waters, to be processed locally, and to create employment opportunities and a stronger economy. The successful convening of the 9th Pacific Tuna Forum in Nadi, in October last year, reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and ocean management.

In the inshore area, efforts are ongoing to support our licensed fishers’ access to ice supplies across our 24 stations, with two new stations scheduled for establishment this year: Cawaro in Udu Point, Macuata, and Koro in Lomaiviti, alongside preparatory work for Matakunea in Cakaudrove.

The Ministry continues to support the fishers’ cooperatives through the provision of start-up capital, including boats and engines, as well as solar-powered freezers, and through technical training on fishing diversification to explore untapped fisheries resources such as deep-water snappers, diamondback squid, and deep-water crab.
 
Transforming Aquaculture
Honourable Speaker, the Aquaculture Development Plan guides our commitment to transforming Fiji’s aquaculture sector into a profitable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly activity. Work is currently underway focusing on Giant Clams, Giant tiger prawn, white-legged shrimp, Giant freshwater prawn, and Tilapia, which offer opportunities to grow at an industrial level, given their potential for rapid development.

Our aim is to reduce reliance on imports and scale domestic production to meet the local demand. We are moving beyond raw exports, improving feed formulation, investing in value-added industries, and building traceability systems that guarantee ethical production and consumer trust.

Efforts focus not only on production but also on improving our hatchery and aquaculture facilities. The Makogai Mari culture Research Centre (MMRC) in Lomaiviti is undergoing rehabilitation and functional improvements with support from the Korean Government, with completion targeted for 2028.

Environmental Sustainability
Honourable Speaker the Ministry of Fisheries' core role is to ensure the sustainable management of fish stocks and associated marine ecosystems within our waters.  Science-based decisions guide our approach to fisheries resource management. Evident in the adoption of the South Pacific Albacore (SPA) Management Procedure (MP) at the WCPFC in December 2025 in Manilla, Phillipines. A monumental achievement for Fiji, as this protects our domestic long-line industry and secures the long-term viability of the fishery.

The Ministry is progressing Fiji’s commitment to conserve and sustainably manage 30 per cent of our marine areas by 2030. Our approach strikes a balance, grounded in both scientific rigor and practical considerations, with the 30x30 commitment serving to reinforce and strengthen established fisheries management practices.

The gazetting of the Tavarua Island Marine Reserve in the Nadroga-Navosa province last year promotes marine biodiversity conservation and marine ecotourism, thereby contributing to our 30x30 commitment.

The focus this year is on finalizing and launching key species management plans to guide our licensed fishers, communities, managers, enforcement officers, and policy makers in the conservation and management of specific key species. Our commitment embodies intergenerational stewardship, ensuring that future generations inherit healthy, productive, and resilient oceans.
Inclusivity in the Fisheries Sector

Honourable Speaker, Rural and maritime communities are integral to national development, with coastal fisheries supporting thousands of households across Fiji. Women play a critical role in post-harvest processing and market supply chains. Our youth are increasingly entering aquaculture and value-added enterprises. The Ministry is prioritizing community-based resource management, expansion of aquaculture initiatives, support for women-led enterprises, and skills development for young Fijians. Inclusion is not a slogan — it is a development imperative.
 
Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
Honourable Speaker, Climate change remains the defining challenge of our time.  Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events directly impact fish stocks and coastal ecosystems. The Fisheries sector is committed to strengthening adaptation efforts, supporting ecosystem restoration, and working with development partners to access climate finance that protects our communities and marine resources.
 
FORESTRY
Honourable Speaker, moving on Forestry remains fundamental to our ecological integrity, rural incomes and climate commitments. Approximately 60% of Fiji’s land area remains under forest cover. Our forests serve as carbon sinks, biodiversity reservoirs, watershed protectors and economic assets. The sector contributes substantially to export revenue of over FJ$80 million annually through timber, Chips, value-added wood products and non-timber forest products, while supporting landowning units across the country.

His Excellency spoke of sustainable development grounded in good governance and inclusivity. The forest strategy directly operationalizes these principles.

Sustainable Management and Environmental Stewardship. The Ministry priorities:
●      Responsible forest harvesting systems
●      Reforestation and forest landscape restoration
●      Biodiversity conservation; and
●      Watershed protection

Landscape restoration initiatives align with national climate mitigation and adaptation goals, contributing to emissions reduction commitments while enhancing ecosystem resilience. Honourable Speaker, the Ministry continues to promote long-rotation plantation forestry and enforce compliance standards to prevent overharvesting and land degradation.

Landowner Centrality
A core tenet of forestry governance is that landowners remain central beneficiaries of sectoral progress. Customary landownership structures are respected and strengthened through:
●      Transparent royalty mechanisms
●      Lease and Stumpage payments
●      Improved contract governance
●      Technical extension services

This ensures that forestry development translates into tangible improvements in livelihoods while safeguarding traditional land rights. His Excellency’s emphasis on inclusive growth finds practical expression in this landowner-first policy framework.
 
Legislative Modernisation and Investor Confidence
Honourable Speaker, A major milestone in strengthening the governance framework of the forestry sector was the passing of the Forestry Act 2025, enacted by Parliament on 1 December 2025. This landmark legislation modernizes the legal architecture governing forest management in Fiji and replaces outdated regulatory provisions with a framework that reflects contemporary environmental, commercial and compliance standards.

The Forestry Act 2025 delivers several key advancements:
●  Strengthens compliance and enforcement mechanisms, including clearer monitoring powers and improved penalties to deter illegal harvesting and non-compliance;
● Streamlines and allows for transparent licensing procedures, clarifying operational requirements for harvesting, transport, processing and export;
●Enhances sustainability safeguards, embedding responsible forest management, replanting obligations and biodiversity protection into statutory requirements;
●  Improves governance and accountability structures, reinforcing oversight and public confidence in concession allocation processes.

These reforms provide regulatory certainty for investors while safeguarding landowner rights and environmental integrity. The objective is not deregulation, but smarter and more effective regulation, ensuring that economic growth and environmental stewardship move in parallel.

In addition, Honourable Speaker, the Mahogany Bill has been tabled for its First Reading in Parliament. This Bill seeks to strengthen the governance, transparency and long-term commercial viability of Fiji’s mahogany industry, one of the country’s most significant forestry assets.
 
The anticipated benefits of the Mahogany Bill include:
● Greater clarity in institutional roles and responsibilities;
● Strengthened landowner participation and benefit-sharing mechanisms;
●  Improved corporate governance standards;
●Enhanced investor confidence through clear operational and reporting frameworks; and
● Better alignment of mahogany resource management with national sustainable development priorities.

Together, the Forestry Act 2025 and the proposed Mahogany Bill signal the Government’s commitment to building a modern, transparent and investor-ready forestry sector, one that balances profitability with sustainability and ensures that landowners remain central beneficiaries of sectoral growth.

Value Addition, Market Expansion and NTFP Development
Honourable Speaker, the Ministry continues to advance value addition, market expansion and non-timber forest product development.

Some of the advancement includes
● Downstream processing and secondary manufacturing, including kiln-dried timber, flooring and furniture components;
● Engineered wood product development, supporting innovation in laminated and composite wood materials suitable for both domestic construction and export markets;
● Market diversification, expanding access to regional and international markets, to reduce dependence on a narrow buyer base.

Value addition, Honourable Speaker, strengthens domestic supply chains, generates higher-skilled employment, increases foreign exchange earnings and retains a greater share of resource value within Fiji. This direction is fully aligned with the national industrialization agenda referenced in His Excellency’s Address, which calls for economic transformation through innovation, processing and enterprise development.

Honourable Speaker, in parallel with timber value addition, the Ministry is advancing the development of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) as an important diversification strategy. These include forest-based products such as medicinal plants, essential oils, resins, honey, handicraft materials, bamboo, and other natural resources.

The NTFP represent a significant opportunity to:
●      Broaden income streams for rural and maritime communities;
●      Increase participation of women and youth in forest-based enterprises;
●      Promote sustainable forest use without large-scale harvesting; and
●      Strengthen community resilience and livelihood diversification.

The Ministry has progressed work on a national NTFP strategic framework to formalise value chains, improve quality standards, enhance market access and provide technical training to producers. By integrating NTFPs into national forestry planning, we are moving toward a more holistic forest economy — one that recognizes forests as multi-dimensional ecosystems capable of generating inclusive and sustainable economic returns. This integrated approach ensures that forestry development supports economic growth, environmental conservation and community empowerment simultaneously.

Inclusion: Women and Youth Participation.
Honourable Speaker, In direct response to the President’s call for equitable opportunity, the forestry sector is expanding participation among women and youth through a number of key initiatives, including:
●      Nursery development programs
●      Replanting initiatives
●      Community-based cottage industries
●      Technical training for women and youth

Our data shows that technical training for women and youth has increased significantly over the years, particularly in nursery establishment and management, as well as in chainsaw and portable sawmill operations. The number of seedling suppliers from community nurseries led by women has also grown steadily. Over the past three years, women-led nurseries have accounted for an average of 46 per cent of total seedling suppliers. Similarly, within our replanting initiatives, an average of 37 per cent of beneficiaries receiving community planting incentives over the past three years have been women.

These initiatives not only expand opportunities for women and youth but also diversify income streams in rural communities and strengthen intergenerational sustainability in the forestry sector.

Honourable Speaker, today marks the commencement of the 2026 National Women in Agriculture Symposium, in which the forestry and fisheries sectors are proud participants. The symposium brings together women entrepreneurs from across agriculture, forestry, and fisheries to recognize their achievements, share ideas, build networks, and connect with potential investors. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to empowering women and recognizing their vital contributions to the growth and sustainability of Fiji’s primary industries.

Honourable Speaker, before I conclude, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge two important occasions that we recently observed.

Firstly, on the 8th of March, the world commemorated International Women's Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in our families, communities, and across all sectors of our nation. I extend my sincere appreciation and warmest wishes to all the women of Fiji for their resilience, leadership, and the many roles they play in shaping the future of our country. From our mothers and daughters to our professionals, farmers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, your dedication continues to inspire progress and strengthen our society.

Secondly, as we marked Father's Day yesterday under the Methodist Church Calendar, I would also like to extend heartfelt wishes to all fathers and father figures throughout Fiji. Fathers play a critical role in guiding, supporting, and nurturing our families and communities. Your commitment, sacrifices, and leadership within the home and society contribute greatly to the well-being and development of our nation.

Honourable Speaker, the recognition of these two occasions reminds us of the importance of strong families, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in building a more inclusive and prosperous Fiji. To all the women and fathers of our beloved nation, I convey my sincere gratitude and best wishes.

Honourable Speaker, Our vision for Fiji’s ocean aligns with the concept of a Pacific “Ocean of Peace” — where cooperation prevails over conflict, and shared stewardship defines our regional identity.  Fiji will continue to act as a responsible regional partner in advancing sustainable ocean governance.

Honourable Speaker, His Excellency's address was a call for unity, reform, and responsible stewardship.  The Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Forestry stands ready to contribute decisively to that national agenda through strong governance, inclusive growth, sustainable management, and collaborative development. We remain committed to protecting our marine and forest resources while transforming them into drivers of resilient and equitable economic growth for all Fijians.

Vinaka vakalevu, Thank you Very