…Government, communities and partners unite to promote sustainable forestry and reduce wildfire risks
BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– Eswatini is taking important steps to strengthen forest management, create economic opportunities and improve wildfire preparedness through the development of forest value chain and fire management plans aimed at protecting natural resources while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
This emerged during the Value Chain and Fire Management Plans Validation Meeting held at Hilton Garden Inn on Thursday, where government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, community members and environmental stakeholders gathered to review and validate key components of the country’s forestry management strategy.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Senior Forestry Officer Mbhekeni Wilfred Nxumalo said the meeting represented an important milestone in building practical solutions that support both environmental sustainability and economic development.
The initiative is being implemented with technical support from PROGREEN under the World Bank.
“Your presence reflects a shared commitment to strengthening forest management systems in Eswatini and to building practical solutions that support both environmental sustainability and local economic development,” Nxumalo told participants.
Forests Present Economic Opportunities
Nxumalo noted that Eswatini is facing increasing pressure on natural resources due to climate change, prolonged drought conditions, the spread of invasive alien plant species and growing wildfire risks.
However, he stressed that forests should not only be viewed from a conservation perspective but also as an important source of economic opportunity.
“The work being presented here is based on a feasibility study and technical review intended to identify the most suitable systems for implementing value chain development and fire management interventions in the country,” he said.
According to Nxumalo, the development of forest-based value chains has the potential to stimulate rural economies, strengthen community participation and attract investment into the forestry sector.
Products such as timber, bark, honey and other bee-related products were highlighted as examples of resources that can generate income while creating employment opportunities in rural communities.
“Forest-related industries can support rural economies, strengthen community participation and unlock investment in products and services that have real market value,” he said.
Sustainable Development Remains Key
While highlighting the economic potential of the forestry sector, Nxumalo stressed the importance of balancing development with environmental protection.
He said sustainable management of forest resources must remain at the centre of all interventions to ensure that economic benefits do not come at the expense of environmental integrity.
“We must protect the ecological integrity of our forests while ensuring that communities and investors alike can benefit from the resources in a responsible and long-term manner,” he said.
The validation process seeks to establish systems that promote responsible utilisation of forest resources while ensuring their availability for future generations.
Strengthening Wildfire Preparedness
A major focus of the initiative is the development of a comprehensive fire management strategy aimed at reducing the impact of wildfires across the country.
Nxumalo said forest fires continue to pose a serious threat to biodiversity, property, livelihoods and public resources.
“We all know that forest fires can destroy years of progress in a matter of seconds. They threaten biodiversity, damage property, undermine livelihoods and place a heavy burden on government resources and emergency services,” he said.
The fire management component includes wildfire impact assessments, hotspot mapping, policy reviews and the development of an integrated forest fire management roadmap.
According to Nxumalo, these measures are designed not only to address current challenges but also to prepare the country for future climate-related risks.
He said effective fire management requires coordinated action involving early warning systems, preparedness measures, rapid response mechanisms, public awareness campaigns and clearly defined institutional responsibilities.
Communities at the Centre
Nxumalo emphasised that the success of the initiative would depend on strong collaboration among government institutions, development partners, private sector players, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and local communities.
He said community members remain central to the success of forest management initiatives because they are the custodians of many of the areas where interventions will be implemented.
“Your knowledge, experience and participation are essential if we are to develop systems that are realistic and sustainable. The success of any forest initiative depends on community ownership and active engagement,” he said.
He also called on the private sector to contribute investment, innovation and technical expertise that can help build viable markets for forest-based products.
World Bank Support Appreciated
Nxumalo expressed gratitude to the World Bank, PROGREEN and technical experts supporting the initiative for their continued partnership and commitment to strengthening Eswatini’s forestry sector.
He noted that their support would help ensure that forestry planning remains evidence-based and aligned with international best practices.
As deliberations continue, stakeholders are expected to validate practical recommendations that will guide future interventions in forest value chain development and wildfire management.
Nxumalo urged participants to remain focused on developing solutions that are practical, implementable and responsive to local realities.
“Together, we can strengthen our forest sector, protect our natural heritage and build resilient livelihoods for the people of Eswatini,” he said.
The initiative is expected to contribute to improved environmental conservation, enhanced climate resilience and increased economic opportunities for communities that depend on forestry resources for their livelihoods.
(Courtesy Pic)
