BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MANZINI– Eswatini is strengthening efforts to improve the governance and management of its forest resources through the launch of the ForestLEX+ country process. The ForestLEX+ Capacity Development and Legislative Mapping Workshop was held at The George Hotel in Manzini on 10 August 2026, with the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs represented by Acting Principal Secretary Dudu Nhlengetfwa Masina.
The workshop marks the launch of the ForestLEX+ country process in Eswatini, which seeks to assess and strengthen the country’s legal and policy framework governing forest resources. Speaking at the workshop, Masina says forests are vital to Eswatini’s development and the wellbeing of its people. He says they play a critical role in protecting water catchments and soils, supporting agriculture and tourism, sustaining rural livelihoods and preserving the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
With the impacts of climate change becoming increasingly evident, Masina says effective forest governance is now more important than ever. She describes sound governance of forest resources as “no longer a matter of choice” but a national imperative. She notes that forest governance cannot be left to one ministry or department, as forest-related responsibilities span several sectors and require a coordinated approach.
These include land, agriculture, water, environment, mining, energy, local government and traditional governance structures. She said the different responsibilities and legal frameworks needed to work together to ensure effective management of forest resources. The ForestLEX+ Programme provides Eswatini with an opportunity to take stock of its national and international legal and policy framework for forest governance in a structured and systematic manner.
The workshop also provides participants with an opportunity to develop a shared understanding of the programme, examine how their institutional mandates link to forestry and begin mapping existing legislation. The exercise is expected to inform the development of Eswatini’s country profile. Masina also acknowledges the ongoing work on the Forest Bill, noting that the workshop comes at an opportune time as the country strengthens its legal and policy framework for forest governance.
The information and institutional input generated through the process will help the Department of Forestry and participating institutions ensure that Eswatini’s forest laws are coherent, comprehensive and responsive to the needs of both people and the environment. The workshop also deepens Eswatini’s collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with FAO partners travelling to the Kingdom to support the ForestLEX+ country process.
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(Courtesy Pic)
