THE Forestry Commission is in the process of formulating the National Forest Policy expected to aid the industry manage the forest and tree population being destroyed at an alarming rate.
The formulation process began in 2015 and is expected to be completed this year.
The country is operating without a policy, only guided by Acts such as the Forest Act Chapter 19:05, the Communal Lands Forest Produce Act Chapter 19:04 as well as the Traditional Leaders’ Act, the Rural District Councils’ Act and the Communal Lands’ Act.
Forests and trees have important multiple functions and provide a wide range of forest goods and products that include fodder, medicines, timber, construction materials, foods and firewood for energy.
They also provide vital ecosystem services that include soil and watershed protection, biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration.
Trees contribute to food security, domestic needs for rural communities, generation of rural income, agricultural productivity and ultimately the protection of the environment.
Forests and woodlands cover close to 42 percent of Zimbabwe’s land area and are found in communal areas, on private land, in national parks and protected forest areas.
The communal and resettlement areas have 67 percent of the country’s forest and woodlands covering about 10 million hectares.
Protected areas constitute 33 percent.
Forests contribute three to four percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
However, their ability to deliver and sustain livelihoods has declined over the years due to deforestation.
The main cause of deforestation has been the conversion of forest land to agricultural land accounting for 80 percent of the deforestation rate.
Tobacco curing using firewood accounts for 15 percent of the total deforestation rate, while the five percent remainder is due to use of firewood for household heating and cooking.
Other major direct causes of forest degradation are human activities which include overharvesting of industrial wood, veld fires and infrastructural development such as dam and road construction, both legal and illegal mining operations and illegal settlements.
Underlying causes include poverty, population growth, markets and trade in forest products, among others.
Forests are also susceptible to insect pests and diseases, fires and extreme climatic events.
Speaking during the forest policy zero draft consultative workshop in Harare on behalf of the Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate, Prince Mupazviriwo, director in the ministry Irvin Kunene said the country has been operating without a policy hence the need for one to aid in the sustainable management of the country’s resources.
“The country has been operating without a forest policy for a long time and therefore there is need to develop a Forest Policy that provides a basis for forestry legislation and regulations that are consistent and comprehensive enough for the long-term sustainable use of forests and for the participation of people who depend on them for their livelihoods,” Kunene said.
“Zimbabwe needs to develop a clear forest policy that recognises the multiple functions of, and interests in, forests to ensure that they contribute effectively to national development, local economies and environmental protection including climate change adaptation and mitigation.”
Forestry Commission’s Board chairperson Rose Mukogo said the policy, once finalised, will be applicable to all conducting forest business in the country.
“There is no doubt that the policy produced will be a robust National Forest Policy for Zimbabweans and applicable to all in conducting forest business in Zimbabwe,” said Mukogo.
“This could be used as a measure of progress.
In this process we have covered most of the journey to crafting of our National Forest Policy ever since the official launch of the process in 2014.”
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) representative, David Mafote said it was important to have guidance on how the country can best manage its forest resources.
“A National Forest Policy is important in this regard as it provides vital guidance on how a country can best manage its forest resources for the benefit of present and future generations,” Mafote said.
“It is a negotiated agreement among stakeholders on a common vision and goals for a country’s forests and trees and has to be adopted by the Government.
“Forest policy goals need to address main societal issues and be closely aligned with the country’s development goals.
“Participation of key stakeholders at national and sub-national levels throughout the process is important, as is joint ownership of the resulting policy and shared responsibility for policy implementation.
“The new Forest Policy should be adopted by Government at high levels so as to demonstrate commitment and guide authorities in its implementation.”
Mafote said FAO was closely working with the forest sector.
“The FAO has a long-standing association with the forest sector as it has previously provided technical and financial support to forest industries training centre and the forestry college,” Mafote said.
“Together with the European union, FAO has been supporting the sector through the forest forces project which is addressing the menace of invasive alien species that are threatening the country’s eucalyptus forests.
“It is also facilitating the current Forest Policy formulation process.”
The National Forest Policy is expected to provide guidance on key issues and challenges in forest management, conservation and development.
Other areas of focus include forest governance, financial resourcing and linkages with other sectors, among others.