Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
MANICALAND forests are on the brink of ecological collapse, necessitating urgent action to curb illegal logging, deforestation, and forest fires.
Stakeholders warned of dangers ahead if the situation is not immediately rectified during a two-day provincial indaba, which commenced in the city this morning.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the province’s forest cover had drastically declined from 14 percent to 3.7 percent between 2018 and 2024, describing the trend as catastrophic.
“If we fail to halt the unsustainable harvesting of timber, we risk being forced to import what we once exported. It is imperative that we reforest as soon as possible,” he said.
The Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe’s provincial head, Mr Phillip Tom, expressed concern over the rampant poaching of firewood in the province.
He noted that Manicaland is home to 45 percent of the nation’s forests, which are declining at an alarming rate.
Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu described Manicaland’s forests as biodiversity guardians under siege.
She was represented by one of her ministry directors, Mr Tendai Ruzvidzo.
“In the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and forest fires, we must adopt adaptive, community-based management that blends traditional knowledge and science,” said Minister Ndlovu.
The two-day workshop, hosted by the Office of the President and Cabinet (Manicaland), is themed – Strengthening Forest Resilience and Livelihoods through Integrated Forest Management.
