Moffat Mungazi
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
AN indaba initiated by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution’s Office to address the growing increase in fire incidences and unsustainable harvesting in forests in Manicaland is on the cards as the concern reaches unprecedented levels.
In Manicaland, timber forests are a thriving industry that contribute significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
About 70 000 hectares of forests in Manicaland are timber plantations, controlled by Allied Timbers, Wattle Company, Border Timbers, Mutare Board and Paper Mills as well as private players.
The forest fires have destroyed over 3 000 hectares of commercial timber in the province.
Speaking at the International Day of Forests, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the forests should serve as the backbone of ecological health and agricultural sustainability.
“It is sad that forest fires have destroyed 3 000 hectares of commercial timber, losing thousands of dollars in the process. Last year alone, the province lost a significant hectarage of, both timber and non-timber forests to fires and deforestation, including in protected areas, destroying valuable trees and animals. This loss should be matched with our tree planting efforts.
“Manicaland is a hotspot for fires, and we have a high proportion of ‘carnage’ of our forests, thus the need to increase the targets for planting of new trees from 30 000 hectares set at the national level. I, therefore, urge stakeholders to prioritise planting more trees so that we surpass the target. If we do not take conscious efforts to deal with this scourge, our forests shall remain under serious threat.
“This event comes at a time when my office is initiating an indaba to discuss the increase in fire incidences and unsustainable harvesting in our forests in the province. Our forests are storehouses of biological diversity, and remain the mainstay of many households worldwide. They are, not only the lungs of our planet, providing vital oxygen and capturing carbon dioxide, but are also an indispensable ally in our fight against climate change.
“However, we face significant challenges in the form of deforestation, land and forest degradation, forest fires as well as climate change – threatening these vital resources in the process,” said Minister Mugadza.
He added: “The pressures of urbanisation, agriculture, and infrastructure development threaten the natural ecosystems that sustain our way of life.
Let us collaborate to raise awareness about the vital role forests play in our diets and as sources of sustainable food, while also strengthening both our health and cultural heritage.”
The event was held under the theme: “Forests and Foods.”
City of Mutare’s Director of Housing and Community Services, Mrs Emma Mandiziba said although they are making concerted efforts to plant as many trees as they can per year, there is need for the local community to play ball and join the fight against deforestation.
“Last year, we planted around 300 trees, and this year, we aim to surpass that number. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing deforestation at Christmas Pass, which is truly heartbreaking. It is crucial that we build a sustainable city for future generations.
“Residential areas like Zimta and Pegasus are highly susceptible to flooding, and to prevent this, we must plant more trees and avoid urban farming. We are sitting on a ticking time bomb, as we live in a valley, and are not immune to the kind of severe flooding that hit Chimanimani. It could happen to us as well. While we are committed to planting as many trees as possible, it is essential that the community takes responsibility too. We cannot do this alone, and we urge everyone to get involved. Our goal this year is to plant 5 000 trees,” she said.
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