Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Waqa took a strong stance on elevating kava’s economic potential at the CHOGM side event last week, declaring the plant as the Pacific’s “Green Gold” and lauding its importance to Pacific livelihoods, culture, and trade.
“Kava is unique to our Pacific region,” Waqa said, emphasising its deep-rooted cultural significance and vital economic contribution to local communities.
“It holds significant importance in our cultures and traditions,” he added, noting how kava supports thousands of families and empowers communities throughout the region.
The CHOGM side event, titled Kava: The Green Gold of the Pacific, highlighted kava’s booming industry and the joint efforts led by Fiji, Vanuatu, and Samoa to expand its global reach.
Waqa praised these countries for spearheading the event, noting that in Fiji, kava production supports 82 percent of household income, with similarly high percentages in Vanuatu and Tonga.
“This humble plant is now providing the Pacific region the opportunity to further shape its future,” he stated.
In 2023, Forum Trade Ministers endorsed a Regional Kava Development Strategy, which Waqa called a “milestone for the Pacific region.”
The strategy, launched at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, aims to unify standards, enhance market access, and foster sustainable practices across the kava industry.
“The Kava Strategy walks the talk toward the vision of the 2050 Strategy in securing our Blue Pacific future,” Waqa said.
He highlighted how kava’s growth aligns with the economic goals of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific, a framework that envisions a prosperous and resilient Pacific.
Waqa also acknowledged the role of the Commonwealth Secretariat and other partners, crediting their contributions to improving digital infrastructure for kava’s global trade.
“Digitisation will be the anchor for the future development of kava quality across production, trade, and investment in the region,” Waqa said, calling for more investments to streamline digital resources that can support this budding industry.
With kava’s market set to potentially reach a billion dollars globally, Waqa pushed for Pacific ownership of the industry, highlighting efforts to protect kava as a Geographical Indicator—a legal designation that secures its Pacific origin.
“We are united and clear in our work to protect kava,” he emphasised, noting that the future of kava extends beyond its traditional uses as a beverage, with opportunities emerging in wellness and alternative products.
“On behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum member countries, we welcome and look forward to further support from all our development partners,” he said.
The goal, he highlighted is to unlock access to Commonwealth markets, allowing kava and its derivatives to flourish worldwide.
