BY NOMTHANDAZO MAYISELA (INTERN)
SIMUNYE– Chiefs and Traditional Authorities from the Lubombo region have gathered at Simunye Country Club for a two-day engagement on sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation as Eswatini strengthens efforts to protect its natural resources.
The engagement, convened by the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs through the Department of Forestry, seeks to strengthen cooperation between government and traditional leaders in addressing environmental challenges affecting rural communities.
According to information shared on the Eswatini Forestry Department Facebook page, the meeting forms part of a broader national initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration with traditional leaders on forest protection and biodiversity conservation.
Among the key issues under discussion are the national target of planting 15 million indigenous trees by 2030, controlling invasive alien plant species, enforcing the Flora Protection Act and aligning conservation efforts with Eswatini’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 3.0).
For many communities, forests remain important sources of firewood, grazing land and medicinal plants. However, increasing deforestation, veld fires and land degradation continue placing pressure on livelihoods, water sources and agricultural activities across the country.
Speaking during the engagement, ENTC Chief Executive Officer Thulani Methula stressed the importance of traditional leaders in mobilising communities to protect forests and promote responsible use of natural resources. He said chiefs remain key partners in strengthening fire management and ecosystem restoration at community level.
Representing the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sports, Youth and Culture Minister Bongani Nzima called for stronger cooperation between government and communities in tackling deforestation, soil erosion and climate-related challenges affecting the country.
Eswatini has in recent years intensified efforts to align itself with international environmental commitments while promoting climate resilience and sustainable land management. The workshop is expected to strengthen cooperation between chiefs, forestry authorities and conservation stakeholders in protecting the country’s natural heritage.
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(Courtesy Pic)
