…Illegal tree cutting and wildfires threaten biodiversity
BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI – The Government of Eswatini through the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs has expressed deep concern over increasing pressure on Eswatini’s forest resources, warning that the current dry winter season is worsening illegal tree cutting and heightening the risk of destructive wildfires.
This concern was raised on June 3,2026 during the Forestry Bill validation workshop held at Sibane Sami Hotel, where stakeholders reviewed the proposed legislation aimed at strengthening forest protection and sustainable management.
The Mbuluzi Ecosystems Restoration Project (MERP) is executed by the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The project seeks to enhance the conservation of an eco-resilient and highly productive Mbuluzi River Basin through ecosystems restoration, integrated natural resource management, Sustainable Land Management, biodiversity conservation, and strengthened protected area management. Through collaboration with government agencies, communities, traditional authorities, and development partners, the project contributes to improved livelihoods, climate resilience, and the long-term sustainability of ecosystems goods and services within the basin.
Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane was represented by Minister of Housing and Urban Development Honourable Appolo Maphalala, who cautioned that forests are under growing threat from human activity, particularly during the dry season.
Government warned that the illegal harvesting of indigenous trees continues to undermine biodiversity and long-term ecosystem health, while forest fires remain a major destructive force capable of wiping out large areas of vegetation within a short period.
The Forestry Bill under consideration seeks to respond to these challenges by strengthening enforcement mechanisms, introducing stricter penalties for environmental offences, and improving forest monitoring systems. It also promotes community-based forest management, including woodlots and agroforestry initiatives to support sustainable livelihoods.
However, officials stressed that legislation alone will not be enough without stronger community responsibility and vigilance, especially in preventing illegal logging and reducing fire outbreaks during the high-risk dry season.
The Ministry has therefore called for urgent collective action to safeguard Eswatini’s forests, urging communities to play an active role in protecting natural resources for future generations.
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