Felix Matasva
MUTARE – The Forestry Commission has spoken against the destruction
of critical indigenous tree species in Manicaland, saying wood sculptors were
partly to blame for the problem.
of critical indigenous tree species in Manicaland, saying wood sculptors were
partly to blame for the problem.
Provincial Forestry Extension
manager Phillip Tom told TellZim News on Tuesday that pod mahogany and bechemia
discolour species were under threat from sculptors.
manager Phillip Tom told TellZim News on Tuesday that pod mahogany and bechemia
discolour species were under threat from sculptors.
Pod mahogany is called mukamba in
Shona or Umkamba in Ndebele while bechemia discolour is called munyii in Shona.
Munyii is a fruit tree.
Shona or Umkamba in Ndebele while bechemia discolour is called munyii in Shona.
Munyii is a fruit tree.
“Pod mahogany and bichemia
discolour are the two species used by artists to make wood sculptures therefore
they are now under serious threat,” said Tom.
discolour are the two species used by artists to make wood sculptures therefore
they are now under serious threat,” said Tom.
He said that there was a
significant rise in people using firewood to make charcoal.
significant rise in people using firewood to make charcoal.
“The use of indigenous
species to make charcoal is also a cause of concern and the law does not allow
it as it contributes to deforestation. Whoever is doing that will be
contravening the provisions of the Forest Act chapter 19 which regulates the
utilisation of forests.
species to make charcoal is also a cause of concern and the law does not allow
it as it contributes to deforestation. Whoever is doing that will be
contravening the provisions of the Forest Act chapter 19 which regulates the
utilisation of forests.
“If caught breaking the law,
one is liable to a fine of $700 or a maximum of two years in prison. Everyone
must play a crucial role in conserving our beautiful environment. Property
owners and local authorities should put effective measures to conserve healthy
ecosystems in their respective areas.
one is liable to a fine of $700 or a maximum of two years in prison. Everyone
must play a crucial role in conserving our beautiful environment. Property
owners and local authorities should put effective measures to conserve healthy
ecosystems in their respective areas.
“Deforestation is not
beneficial as trees are an integral part of our lives. Trees form the natural
habitats for our wildlife.
beneficial as trees are an integral part of our lives. Trees form the natural
habitats for our wildlife.
“They help to prevent land
degradation through soil erosion and mudslides as seen during Cyclone Idai.
Trees also have an aesthetic value as they give beauty to our landscape. The
Christmas pass look more beautiful than mountains in Dangamvura because of
conservation of forests,” said Tom.
degradation through soil erosion and mudslides as seen during Cyclone Idai.
Trees also have an aesthetic value as they give beauty to our landscape. The
Christmas pass look more beautiful than mountains in Dangamvura because of
conservation of forests,” said Tom.
The environment which surrounds
the high density suburbs of Mutare have been slowly recovering from the massive
deforestation which happened at the peak of the country’s economic crisis
between 2007 and 2008.
the high density suburbs of Mutare have been slowly recovering from the massive
deforestation which happened at the peak of the country’s economic crisis
between 2007 and 2008.
