22 May 2002

Future of Fiji's mahogany forests discussed by cabinet

12:08 pm on 22 May 2002

A cabinet meeting in Fiji has discussed the future of the country's extensive mahogany forests.

Ratu Epeli Ganilau, the chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs, says the GCC report, which recommended that one in ten trees should belong to the landowners as well as 50 percent of all profits, has been presented to the government.

Ratu Epeli says he knows that some landowners are opposed to the recommendations but it will be up to the government to decide what happens.

"Those who feel very strongly will probably take legal action if they're not satisfied but that is a grievance they'll have to take up with government and you know, it's going to take a lot of dialogue between government and those who oppose this report to come to some sort of conclusion where everyone is happy."

Ratu Epeli Ganilau.