This article was published on SPC's website.
This time in Research In Focus, we sit with Timaima Sovaki, Wood Processing Technician at the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Land Resources Division (LRD).
Hailing from the picturesque island of Batiki, Fiji, Timaima’s passion for nature and forestry was nurtured from a young age, guiding her personal and professional direction in life.
What does a Wood Processing Technician do?
As a Wood Processing Technician in our Future Engineered Wood Product Project, I provide technical assistance and support for Sustainable Forest and landscape Management activities. We particularly focus on manufacturing engineered wood products from coconut and non-traditional forest resources.
What’s your background, and how did it prepare you for your current position?
I graduated from the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry with a diploma in Tropical Forestry studies before continuing my degree in Forestry. During my studies, I focussed on Silviculture and Communal Forestry. Silviculture is the practice of controlling the growth, composition/structure, and quality of forests to meet values and needs, specifically timber production, while Communal Forestry involves generating forests for income, such as resources extracted, timber and other products.
What’s one of the things you love about your job?
When asked this question, Timaima’s eyes widened, a big smile drew on her face, and words couldn’t wait to be spoken.
My job involves nature; I love everything about it! But if I have to be specific, it’s the opportunity to impact our environment positively. While I’m in the field, interacting with the environment during work or my personal life, I feel that I am impacting my surroundings. We all know that forests are vital to our planet’s health. It provides clean water, a habitat for animals, cleans the air, regulates the climate, and is invaluable for everyone. We must think beyond individualism and acknowledge our part in the grand scheme of our ecosystem and environment. That’s what I love about my job!
As Foresters, we must think creatively and find opportunities to conserve what’s left for future generations.
How do you think your work will translate into impact for the Pacific?
With communities worldwide becoming more environmentally aware of the footsteps we’re leaving behind, native forest harvesting is becoming less acceptable globally. Traditional timber suppliers cannot meet the growing demand.
I’m involved in a project with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), delivering and validating food processing technologies that transform coconut and other low-value forest resources into high-valued engineered wood products for local and global markets.
I am also assisting Master’s students from the Fiji National University (FNU) on a collaboration project research on Agroforestry, which focuses on seeds. We are providing more significant opportunities to our communities on the perfect and proper methods they can use to germinate their tree seed species. That will enable them to clothe their deforested land back.
Timaima’s passion for her job is almost palpable. Her physical movements mimic the grandeur of her emotions while explaining her work. During our conversation, she briefly mentioned a recent visit from USP students that had young women interested in her field of work.
Is there enough female representation in this sector?
In Fiji, I can confidently say YES! Our field of work has always been male-dominated, and I can’t express how happy I am to see other female leaders in this space. Our current conservator is a female, and the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Forestry is also a female. We’re getting closer to a well-balanced gender in our workspace.
But it hasn’t always been like this. When I started my university courses, there was barely any female representation. Their involvement was mainly in agriculture and fisheries, but Forestry was a new field of study. I was one of the early women to join this course to go deep inside forests, do the inventory, mapping and harvesting. Now, we have a good representation in all the areas.
What do you wish you could change for the betterment of the Pacific?
I love this question because I want to address what can be changed: Better awareness on an educational level for the different tree species. We are Pacific Islanders; We have lived in balance and harmony with nature for hundreds of years. We promote sustainable living, but to sustain our resources, we need to know and identify them. To understand our environment, we have to understand what’s inside that environment: the plants and the species. As a young Forester, I have found a gap in my knowledge about tree species. Younger people are coming to us daily to inquire about the different species that are around them. If the younger generation wants to provide the best for plant and tree life, they need to know the species, their whole family and their taxonomy.
I hope Forestry study can be part of the primary and secondary school curriculum system. Better preparation at a younger age in terms of Forestry education will help us on a community and scientific level for improvement.
What would you say to yourself ten years ago?
Dreams remain dreams until you take action. Whatever you dream of, big or small, will only materialise if you act toward it. Work towards your dreams!
What would you say to other young women to inspire them?
Break the chains that are holding you back. Break the barriers that are boxing you. Always remember, “life is like a buffet”. Pick your food of knowledge, the opportunities, the adventures and excel in them. Collect small, valuable bits and pieces to make your own life.
“Kida ni batilotu” This is when a leaf stalk's base suddenly detaches from the main coconut trees and falls to the ground. In my village, any unexpected work we are called to do will always be achieved, even though it is unplanned.
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