BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE (INTERN)
MBABANE — Department of Forestry has concluded a capacity building training programme on forest legislation in collaboration with the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), aimed at strengthening enforcement of environmental laws across the country.
The initiative brought together officers from Manzini Regional Headquarters, Mafutseni, Mliba, Sidvokodvo, Malkerns, Bhunya and Mankayane police stations, equipping them with practical skills to enforce the Flora Protection Act No. 5 of 2001.
According to the Department of Forestry, the training forms part of a nationwide campaign that will extend to the Hhohho Region and later conclude in Shiselweni Region.
Officials say the programme is designed to enhance coordination between environmental authorities and police officers in responding to illegal logging, wildlife related offences, and other environmental crimes threatening Eswatini’s biodiversity.
Partners including Eswatini Environment Authority, Eswatini National Trust Commission and Big Game Parks have been acknowledged for their continued support in conservation enforcement efforts.
They emphasized that strengthening environmental law enforcement is essential for protecting natural heritage and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources for present and future generations.
The Department of Forestry extended appreciation to its partners for collaboration in building capacity among law enforcement agencies to combat environmental crimes across the country.
This initiative reflects a growing commitment to coordinated action in safeguarding Eswatini’s forests and biodiversity through stronger enforcement of environmental legislation.
Source: Eswatini Forestry Department.
Environmental officials noted that the Flora Protection Act No. 5 of 2001 remains a critical legal instrument for regulating the harvesting, transportation and trade of protected plant species within Eswatini.
They further highlighted that illegal harvesting of indigenous flora continues to pose a threat in some parts of the country, requiring increased awareness and stronger enforcement presence on the ground.
The training also sought to improve reporting systems and inter agency cooperation to ensure faster response to environmental violations reported by communities and stakeholders.
Community members are encouraged to work closely with authorities to report suspected illegal activities and support conservation efforts nationwide.
Authorities say continued training programmes will be rolled out across all regions to strengthen environmental governance and long term sustainability outcomes going forward across Eswatini.
#EnvironmentalProtection #EswatiniForestry #FloraProtectionAct #ConservationEnforcement
(Courtesy Pic)
