There is renewed optimism that a Sandalwood Technical Working Group, currently being formed, will help address numerous challenges in Vanuatu’s sandalwood industry and guide it toward a stronger and more sustainable future.
Over two days this week, key stakeholders in the sector—including farmers, exporters, processors, and buyers—are gathered in Port Vila for an important consultation meeting to define the structure of the new working group. The meeting will also determine which representatives will join the committee.
This latest step follows on from last year’s National Sandalwood Forum, where stakeholders across the sandalwood value chain came together and agreed on 31 key resolutions aimed at improving and expanding the industry. These resolutions cover areas such as better regulation, increasing production, improved export coordination, and supporting farmers.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the Acting Director of Forestry highlighted the importance of establishing the working group as outlined in Resolution 6.
“We are reviewing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the sandalwood technical working group. According to Resolution 6, the group should include representatives from the industry, farmers, and relevant organizations. Today and tomorrow, our goal is to agree on who these members will be so that the committee can begin its work,” he said.
Participants at the meeting agreed that the working group will provide clearer direction and stronger coordination for the sandalwood industry. It will also be responsible for addressing challenges across the entire value chain—from tree planting to export.
“If you look at the 31 resolutions, they identify real challenges that we face in producing and marketing sandalwood. The working group will take the lead in tackling these. Ultimately, we want to be more innovative, increase production, and take this commodity to the next level.”
The two-day workshop is expected to conclude with the official establishment of the working group. A Council of Ministers paper will then be drafted and submitted to formalize the group’s mandate and secure a supporting budget for its operations.
