Story by Yolanda Moyo
Government is set to roll out the Presidential Forests initiative which is expected to transform community-based forest management in Zimbabwe, unlocking significant economic opportunities for rural communities.
Mafanisa Village in Ntabazinduna is testament to the power of community-based forest management, boasting of a thriving acacia plantation, established 24 years ago.
This has transformed the landscape into a thriving ecosystem and securing a sustainable future for future generations.
The Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Dr Sithembiso Nyoni this Wednesday engaged the community, witnessing firsthand the remarkable impact of their efforts.
“Before we started this initiative, our village was facing severe deforestation and soil erosion. But now, thanks to our collective efforts, we have managed to restore our forests and improve our livelihoods,” a villager said.
Another stated, “We’ve learned to work together, to share knowledge and to protect our environment. This sense of ownership has made all the difference.”
“This was just barren land and when it was introduced us, the villagers were involved in the planting of trees and here we are now, we have a wind break in our villages and we faced El Niño for years and these trees are a fodder for small livestock,” another added.
Dr Nyoni emphasised government’s commitment in supporting community-based initiatives.
“The Presidential Forests Programme is not just about planting trees; it’s about empowering communities. By involving local communities in the management and protection of these forests, we are not only restoring our ecosystems but also creating sustainable livelihoods and generating significant carbon credits. The integration of carbon credit initiatives into the Presidential Forests Programme is a strategic move to harness the economic potential of forest conservation. By capturing and storing carbon dioxide, these forests will contribute to mitigating climate change while providing financial incentives for communities. This is a win-win situation. Communities benefit from improved livelihoods, while the environment benefits from increased carbon sequestration,” she said.
This comes after government launched the National Forest Policy, a comprehensive framework for sustainable management, conservation and development of Zimbabwe’s forest resources.
