BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI– Government has intensified efforts to safeguard the country’s forests through the proposed Forestry Bill, a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at strengthening forest governance, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable management of natural resources.
Speaking during the National Stakeholder Validation Workshop for the Draft Forestry Bill at Sibane Sami Hotel on June 3,2026 Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Appolo Maphalala, representing Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, described the Bill as a landmark legislative framework that would safeguard the country’s forest resources for present and future generations.
“This Bill is not merely a legal document, but a commitment to the future of our nation and its natural heritage. It aims to protect, conserve and regulate forestry, ensuring that our forests benefit all Emaswati now and for generations to come,” he said.
The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs through the Forestry Department in partnership with the Eswatini National Trust Commission under the Mbuluzi Ecosystems Restoration Project (MERP).
Maphalala thanked stakeholders for participating in the validation process, saying their contributions were critical in shaping legislation that responds to emerging environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, land degradation and climate change.
He said sustainable forest management remained at the centre of the proposed legislation, adding that the Bill would provide a framework for balancing environmental protection with economic development.
The Bill also seeks to support the development and management of industrial forests while promoting the establishment of urban and peri-urban forests to improve environmental quality in growing towns and cities.
Recognising the role of communities in conservation, Maphalala said the legislation would empower local communities to establish and manage forests and woodlots, while promoting agroforestry practices that improve agricultural productivity, biodiversity and household incomes.
The proposed law further seeks to strengthen the protection of natural forests, woodlands and endangered plant species, while improving the management of government forests.
According to the Minister, the Bill introduces enforcement mechanisms aimed at combating illegal activities in the forestry sector through clearly defined offences and penalties.
He also issued a warning against the illegal harvesting and sale of indigenous trees, particularly as the country enters the dry winter season.
“The illegal cutting and selling of indigenous trees poses a severe threat to biodiversity and the long-term health of our ecosystems,” he said.
Maphalala further called on communities to remain vigilant against forest fires, describing them as highly destructive to the forestry sector and a major setback to sustainable forest management efforts.
The validation workshop marks the final stage of a broad consultative process involving government institutions, technical experts, civil society organisations, community representatives and development partners before the Bill advances to the next stages of the legislative process.
The review of the Forestry Bill is being supported through the Mbuluzi Ecosystems Restoration Project, implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme and funded by the Global Environment Facility.
Officials said the strengthened legislation would play a key role in supporting biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, water resource protection and sustainable livelihoods across the country.
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