Roseline Mutare
The Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe recently held a provincial review meeting to assess progress made during the first quarter of the year.
Speaking at the event, Lewis Radzire, Operations Manager at the Forestry Commission, highlighted the organization’s efforts to raise awareness about sustainable forestry practices.
Radzire emphasized the importance of community engagement and education in promoting responsible forest management.
“As an organization, we are undertaking an awareness campaign to educate communities on the importance of sustainable forestry practices,”
“The national target is to plant 30 million trees across 750,000 hectares of land. In Masvingo province, the commission aims to cover 730,000 hectares,” he said.
He added that to achieve this goal, the Forestry Commission is collaborating with traditional leaders to conduct awareness campaigns on the importance of forest conservation and upkeep. The commission also engages with schools, reaching out to five million children through educational programs that promote environmental awareness and conservation.
“As the country approaches the fire season, the Forestry Commission is amplifying its efforts to protect forests from wildfires. With the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the commission is capacitating communities to take ownership of forest protection,” he mentioned.
The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, discuss challenges, and identify areas for improvement. The Forestry Commission’s efforts aim to promote sustainable forest management, conserve biodiversity, and support local communities.
“The organization’s commitment to awareness and education is crucial in addressing forestry-related challenges and promoting a culture of sustainability. The Forestry Commission’s initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on the environment and local communities,” said Radzire.
