For nearly 16 years with Fiji Ministry of Forestry in Fiji, Ms.Anjeshni Narayan has been working to expand knowledge on forest resources and explore sustainable alternatives for the future of construction. 

Ms.Anjeshni, Senior Research Officer at the Ministry of Forestry, plays a key role in studying both wood and non-wood forest products, helping identify new materials that can support sustainable development while protecting forest ecosystems. Her research focuses on lesser-known timber species, exploring whether they have the potential to become commercially viable in the future. At the same time, she studies invasive species such as African tulip and white teak, looking for ways these trees can be used productively. 

“Rather than focusing only on eradication, we try to identify possible uses for these species,” Anjeshni explains. “If we can develop products from them, we can also recommend better management strategies.”

Alongside timber research, Ms. Anjeshni is also involved in studying non-wood forest products, including bamboo, agarwood, sandalwood, and other species with economic and environmental potential. 

Advancing Bamboo Research

One area that has become particularly important in recent years is bamboo research, especially as countries explore sustainable alternatives to traditional timber. 

For Ms. Anjeshni, bamboo represents an opportunity to support both forest conservation and resilient construction. 

“Bamboo is a very sustainable and resilient alternative to timber products,” she says. “With the rate that forests are being harvested, we need alternatives that can meet construction needs while helping protect our forest resources.”

Through collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Ms. Anjeshni and her colleagues are working to document bamboo species, assess their suitability for construction, and explore how they can be cultivated on a larger scale. 

While the commonly known bamboo species is widely recognised, research has revealed that many other species exist, each with different characteristics and potential uses. 

Some species may be suitable for construction materials, while others may support handicrafts, food products such as bamboo shoots, or other small-scale industries. 

Building the First Baseline Data

Recently, Ms. Anjeshni joined field teams conducting bamboo inventory and sampling in remote locations. The work is physically demanding and requires careful scientific methodology. 

Researchers often travel by boat to reach field sites and carry out destructive sampling, where bamboo clumps are cut and measured to determine volume, density, and other characteristics. 

The information collected will form critical baseline data, helping researchers estimate the area and volume of bamboo resources and guide future plantation development. 

“If we are able to do this well, it will form the baseline information for bamboo resources,” Anjeshni explains. “This will help us determine the full potential of bamboo.”

Through the Fiji Bamboo Project implemented with GGGI, the research team has also gained new skills in bamboo harvesting, treatment, and preparation for mechanical testing, ensuring that bamboo materials meet the requirements for construction use. 

Early challenges provided valuable lessons. In one of the first sample batches, insect damage created pinholes in the bamboo, compromising its structural integrity. By adjusting treatment methods and improving drying processes, the team was able to refine their approach. 

Beyond technical research, the experience also allowed the team to experiment creatively with bamboo materials even producing small items such as bamboo planter boxes. 

A Woman in Forestry Research

Forestry and construction are often seen as male-dominated fields. For Ms.Anjeshni, this has only strengthened her determination. 

“The fact that people think this field is male-dominated is actually the challenge,” she says. “It motivates me to show that women can also do this work.” 

Field research often involves hiking through forests, working in remote locations, and conducting labour-intensive sampling. Despite these challenges, Ms. Anjeshni says the work is deeply rewarding. 

“Forestry is a very interesting field. Half of the time we are in the field and half of the time we are in the office, so there is always something new to learn.”

Encouraging Future Generations

Reflecting on her career, Ms. Anjeshni encourages young women to look beyond stereotypes and explore the many opportunities within forestry. 

“Forestry is not just about cutting trees,” she says. “There are many different areas, from research, conservation, construction and innovation. If something interests you, follow that interest and find where you can contribute.”

Through her work, Ms. Anjeshni is helping expand the knowledge base on bamboo and other forest resources, laying the groundwork for more sustainable construction materials, stronger forest management, and greener development in the years ahead. 

For more information, visit: https://gggi.org

GGGI Pacific (Regional Office)

Kelly Vacala, Regional Communications & Knowledge Sharing Lead

kelly.vacala@gggi.org