Zimbabwe introduces its new forestry policy
Zimbabwe has introduced its National Forestry Policy after engaging with stakeholders of indigenous forests, university students, rural communities, tourism industry operators, and commercial timber producers.
Before this, Zimbabwe’s forest resources management and utilisation were governed by the Forestry Act and the Communal Land Forest Produce Act.
The Environment, Climate And Wildlife Minister, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, says the new policy seeks to promote sustainable management of forests as a national heritage by providing an enabling environment for all stakeholders involved in forest resources management.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
The policy underscores the significant role of local communities and stakeholders in the sustainable management of forests and shared benefits. It aims to strengthen the authority of traditional leaders in enforcing cultural norms for forest conservation and protection.
The policy addresses the issue of limited community engagement in forest management and the undervaluation of forests by locals, which often arises from not connecting their well-being with environmental health.
Enhancing awareness of critical forest-related issues, such as climate change and forest ecosystems, will lead to better forest management practices.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The sustainability of Zimbabwe’s forests hinges on effective management practices. The policy aims to maintain or expand areas under sustainable forest management to reverse a severe decline in ecological and economic productivity due to over-exploitation and degradation.
The welfare of rural communities The policy supports community-based natural resource management initiatives, like the Community Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources, to improve the livelihoods of rural populations.
DEFORESTATION CHALLENGE
Zimbabwe has faced significant deforestation, with the national rate accelerating from 100,000 hectares per year in the 1990s to over 330,000 hectares between 2000 and 2010. The new policy seeks to address this challenge and promote sustainable forest practices.
IMPLEMENTATION
The spirit and intent of the new Forestry Policy is to encourage citizens to be willing participants in the protection of natural and commercial forests. As former Forestry Commission general manager Abedinigo Marufu put it, “The imposition of the law in as far as the management of forests is concerned only results in building walls and fences which is costly and not sustainable and neither effective in the long run”.
To ensure the success of the National Forestry Policy, measures such as strengthening policy frameworks, increasing patrolling, promoting sustainable land management, supporting alternative energy sources, and planting new trees are essential.
By: Justin Nyakudanga
Source: WoodBiz Africa Magazine – May 2024 (Page 8)
Back to NEWS:
BUSINESS l CLIMATE CHANGE l CONSTRUCTION l EDUCATION l ENVIRONMENT l FORESTRY ENGINEERING l FORESTRY l GOVERNMENT l INTERNATIONAL l LAND l RECYCLING l RESEARCH l ROOFING l SHORT HAUL l SILVICULTURE l SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY l TRANSPORT l TREATMENT l TRANSPORT l VALUE ADDING
