MBABANE – Eswatini has taken a significant step towards strengthening the protection and sustainable management of its forests through a proposed Forestry Bill that seeks to address growing environmental threats, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, land degradation and climate change.
The draft legislation was presented to stakeholders during a national validation workshop held at Sibane Sami Hotel on Wednesday, bringing together representatives from government ministries, traditional authorities, environmental organisations, civil society and the forestry sector.
The workshop forms a crucial stage in the legislative process, allowing stakeholders to scrutinise and provide input on the proposed law before it is submitted for further consideration and eventual enactment.
Once adopted, the Forestry Bill is expected to replace outdated legal provisions and establish a modern framework for forest governance, conservation and sustainable utilisation of forest resources across the country.
Speaking on behalf of Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala said the legislation reflected government’s commitment to protecting Eswatini’s natural heritage while supporting sustainable development.
Maphalala described the Bill as a landmark piece of legislation that would safeguard forest resources for future generations.
“This bill is not merely a legal document, but a commitment to the future of our nation and its natural heritage. It aims to protect, conserve and regulate forestry, ensuring that our forests benefit all Emaswati, now and for generations to come,” he said.
He noted that forests play a critical role in protecting water catchment areas, maintaining biodiversity, improving climate resilience and supporting livelihoods, particularly in rural communities where many households depend on forest resources for fuel, food and income.
The proposed legislation places strong emphasis on sustainable forest management, a principle aimed at ensuring forests continue to provide ecological, social and economic benefits without compromising their long-term health and productivity.
Maphalala said the Bill would provide a framework for balancing environmental conservation with economic development, particularly within the country’s industrial forestry sector, which contributes significantly to employment and economic growth.
He said government recognised the important role played by commercial forestry companies and sought to ensure that industrial forest development occurs in a manner that promotes environmental sustainability.
Beyond commercial forestry, the legislation seeks to expand forest conservation efforts into urban areas through the promotion of urban and peri-urban forests. These green spaces are expected to improve environmental quality, enhance public wellbeing and contribute to climate adaptation in rapidly growing towns and cities.
The Bill also seeks to strengthen community participation in forest management by empowering local communities to establish and manage community forests and woodlots.
Maphalala said community involvement was essential for the success of conservation initiatives, adding that the legislation would foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens.
Another key component of the proposed law is the promotion of agroforestry, which integrates trees into agricultural systems. Government believes this approach can improve soil fertility, enhance biodiversity, increase agricultural productivity and create additional income opportunities for farmers.
The legislation further aims to strengthen protection of natural forests and indigenous woodlands, which are increasingly coming under pressure from human activities.
“These ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots and possess significant ecological and cultural value. Their protection is critical for maintaining ecosystem services and preserving the country’s natural heritage,” Maphalala said.
The Bill also provides for the protection of rare and endangered plant species, ensuring their conservation for future generations.
To improve compliance, the proposed legislation introduces enforcement mechanisms designed to curb illegal activities affecting forests. These include provisions dealing with offences and penalties intended to deter unlawful harvesting of forest resources and other environmentally damaging practices.
Government also plans to institute regular reviews of the law and its implementation to ensure that it remains responsive to emerging environmental challenges and changing national priorities.
Maphalala used the occasion to raise concern about increasing pressure on indigenous forests, particularly during the winter season when demand for firewood tends to rise.
He warned communities against the illegal cutting and sale of indigenous trees, saying the practice poses a serious threat to biodiversity and long-term ecosystem health.
“I wish to caution that as the nation approaches the dry winter season, the illegal cutting and selling of indigenous trees poses a severe threat to biodiversity and long-term ecosystem health,” he said.
The minister also appealed for greater vigilance in preventing forest fires, which continue to pose one of the biggest threats to the forestry sector.
Forest fires destroy vegetation, wildlife habitats and valuable forest resources, while also undermining national efforts aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems and enhancing climate resilience.
The review and development of the Forestry Bill has been supported through the Mbuluzi Ecosystems Restoration Project (MERP), which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC).
The project focuses on restoring degraded ecosystems and strengthening environmental governance in critical landscapes across the country.
Stakeholders attending the workshop were expected to assess the Bill’s provisions and provide recommendations to ensure that the final legislation effectively addresses contemporary forestry challenges while promoting sustainable management of Eswatini’s forest resources.
As environmental pressures continue to intensify globally and locally, the proposed Forestry Bill is expected to become a key instrument in protecting Eswatini’s forests, strengthening climate resilience and ensuring the country’s natural resources remain available for future generations.
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