Published by the government of Zimbabwe
11 May 2010
Harare — Traditional leaders should take an active role in preserving Zimbabwe's natural resources, a Cabinet minister has said.
Speaking at the launch of the 2010 Fire Awareness Campaign at Martin Forest in Chimanimani on Friday, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Francis Nhema said chiefs were the custodians of natural resources.
The campaign -- spearheaded by Allied Timber Holdings -- was launched under the theme "Community-based fire protection in forest plantations".
"It is an undisputable fact that chiefs have a special role to play in our society. They are a powerful and effective force to reckon with, particularly in the area of natural resources management," he said.
Minister Nhema said chiefs should, in particular, prevent land degradation while supervising resettlement and resolving land disputes in their areas.
"Our natural forests have significant contribution to food security, medicines and fuel.
"In Zimbabwe, close to 25 000 people are directly employed by the forestry sector while 15 000 people are indirectly employed as a result of downstream processing and value addition," he said.
He urged the timber industry to work hand in hand with society protecting the environment.
"I urge timber companies to live harmoniously with their adjoining communities, and they should strive to plough back some of their proceeds into these communities so that they appreciate the value of timber," he said.
Allied Timber Holdings group chief executive Mr Joseph Kanyekanye expressed concern over illegal settlers staying in their plantations. He alleged these people were responsible for forest fires.
"Over 50 percent of fires are due to an influx of illegal settlers who start fires for land clearing."
Meanwhile, Government will on Friday launch the National Fire Awareness Week in Insiza.
Addressing a Press conference in Harare yesterday, Minister Nhema said veld fires had been devastating to biodiversity and ecosystems.
"A total of 7 409 fire incidences were experienced countrywide as at October 2009 resulting in a total of 950 905,22 hectares of veld being lost.
"Ten people were also killed in these incidences. I would like to urge all property holders, farmers and miners to construct standard fire guards on their properties by June 30, 2010.
"After this period, all those without the requisite fireguards will be prosecuted," he said.
Veld fires destroy grazing land, cause environmental degradation as well as reducing land cover leading to soil erosion.
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