Fiji has established its first permanent forest research plot, marking a significant step forward in climate research and forest conservation.

Located at the Vago Reserve, the one-hectare site forms part of the MELANOBS project, which aims to monitor how forests across Melanesia respond to climate change and other environmental pressures.

The initiative is being supported by the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, led by Minister Alitia Bainivalu and Acting Permanent Secretary Saimoni Tauvoli, in collaboration with international researchers and local conservation organisations.

The permanent research plot will enable scientists to carry out long-term monitoring of tree growth, forest health, biodiversity and carbon storage, providing valuable data to guide conservation efforts and climate policy.

As part of the project, every tree measuring 10 centimetres or more in diameter within the study area is being tagged, mapped and measured.

Researchers say the information collected will improve understanding of Fiji’s forest ecosystems and strengthen future environmental planning.

The project is a collaboration between the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), AMAP Laboratory, local forestry specialists, Nature Fiji and the University of the South Pacific.

Field teams are now working to complete the site’s first comprehensive forest census, reinforcing Fiji’s contribution to regional climate research and the long-term protection of Pacific forests.