SIGCAWENI – “What will happen when the last tree is cut?”
This powerful question was posed during the keynote address at the Desertification and Drought Day 2025 commemoration held at Sigcaweni in the Lubombo Region, under the theme “Restore the Land, Unlock the Opportunities.”
The Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Hon. Jane Mkhonta, represented by Acting Principal Secretary Mbhekeni Nqumalo, delivered a sobering message warning against the rampant cutting of indigenous trees, especially for firewood sold in urban markets.
“While the need for fuel is understood, the unchecked destruction of our forests carries devastating consequences,” Nqumalo warned.
He explained that indigenous trees play a critical role in protecting soil from erosion, shielding communities from harsh winds, and preserving Eswatini’s biodiversity and traditional healing knowledge.
“The loss of these trees is not just an environmental issue – it is a threat to livelihoods, health, and national stability,” he emphasized.
The Ministry also highlighted achievements in restoring degraded landscapes, including the planting of over 8 million trees through the National Tree Planting Campaign and the enforcement of the Flora Protection Act No. 5 of 2001. However, the Minister stressed that policies alone are not enough.
“Every citizen must take personal responsibility. We need to not only plant trees but also ensure they survive. Restoration is a shared duty,” he said.
He went on to commend the collective efforts of partners such as the Eswatini Environmental Fund, Eswatini National Trust Commission, and several government departments and NGOs working together at Sigcaweni and within the Mbuluzi Ecosystem Restoration Project.
Calling on local leaders, lawmakers, and community members, the Minister urged unity and urgent action against environmental degradation.
“Let this question challenge us: What will happen when the last tree is cut? The answer will define the kind of Eswatini we leave behind.”
