By Lindani Maseko
The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs is poised to overhaul its forestry sector with a bold new Forest Act, which promises efficient management, environmental protection, and even a potential foray into the lucrative carbon trading market.
Stakeholders gathered at the Happy Valley Hotel last week Friday for a validation workshop, where Senior Forestry Officer, Wilfred Nxumalo presented on the aspects of the Bill.
Nxumalo said the bill aims to establish a framework for the efficient, profitable, and sustainable management of all forests.
Speaking during the meeting Nxumalo highlighted that before finalising the bill, which has been under development for some time, the meeting would help them conduct a thorough review with stakeholders to maximise its effectiveness.
The proposed bill seeks to revolutionise forestry in Eswatini with four primary objectives being; to establish a framework for the efficient, profitable, and sustainable management of all forests for the benefit of all Emaswati; to enhance forestry’s role in environmental protection by conserving biodiversity and rehabilitating degraded lands.
Furthermore, the bill aims to strategically manage forests as natural carbon storage to potentially engage in carbon markets.
Nxumalo mentioned that they were examining the increasing interest in carbon trading and how they could incorporate provisions into the bill to enable the industry to move forward.
“We are examining the growing interest in carbon trading within the forestry sector. This meeting will explore how to incorporate provisions related to carbon trading into the bill, enabling the industry to move forward,” he said.
He further stated that the bill would grant the Minister significant authority in declaring forests. According to the bill, forests will also be explicitly recognised as national resources, prioritising access for communities dependent on them.
Nxumalo revealed that the Minister will also be mandated to prepare a comprehensive National Forestry Programme applicable to all forest categories within 30 days.
The proposed legislation also targets industrial forests, mandating permits for existing operations and requiring the submission of detailed Forest Management Plans to ensure sustainable practices.
“These plans will outline the responsibilities of forest owners and those involved in out-grower schemes, promoting responsible management and equitable partnerships. Severe penalties will be imposed for non-compliance,” he stated.
He further stated that Sections 59 to 67 of the bill were dedicated to industrial forests, whereby the bill mandates permit for existing industrial forests and requires the submission of Forest Management Plans to ensure sustainable practices.
Meanwhile, Acting Principal Secretary Cebile Nhlabatsi, representing Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, stressed the importance of balancing economic needs with environmental sustainability.
She stated that the bill would provide a framework for developing and managing industrial forests responsibly.
Nhlabatsi added that the bill would encourage agroforestry practices, improving agricultural productivity, enhancing biodiversity, and providing additional income streams for farmers. She said, “This bill will encourage agroforestry practices, improving agricultural productivity, enhancing biodiversity, and providing additional income streams for farmers.”
The Acting PS further assured stakeholders that the bill would safeguard biodiversity hotspots like natural forests and woodlands, ensuring their protection and sustainable use. Measures will also be put in place to streamline national government forest management and protect rare and endangered plant species.