Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

CALL FOR INCREASED FOREST CONSERVATION EDUCATION

By SIFISO NHLABATSI | 2024-11-22

NATIONAL Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) Chief Executive Officer Victor Mahlalela has called for intensified efforts to educate the public, especially pupils, about the importance of forest conservation as a means to safeguard the country's economy.

Speaking during the annual meeting of the Shiselweni Fire and Timber Association, Mahlalela emphasised the need for a collective response to the growing threat of forest fires, which have wreaked havoc in the region. He revealed that the Shiselweni Forestry Company had already suffered losses exceeding E50 million this year due to fire incidents.

“Forests are not just trees; they are the backbone of our economy,” Mahlalela stated passionately. “They provide livelihoods for countless families in our region—mothers, fathers, siblings. The destruction of our forests is not a remote problem; it directly impacts the community.”

The NDMA CEO stressed that schools must play a pivotal role in addressing this crisis, by incorporating disaster education into their curricula. He argued that educating children about the vital role forests play in the country's economic health would not only empower them to protect these resources but also instill a sense of responsibility towards preserving the environment.

“Our mission is to ensure that every child in school understands the importance of forests,” Mahlalela explained. “These forests employ their parents, their cousins, their neighbors. It is crucial that they know how to protect them and why they should never be involved in starting fires or engaging in harmful activities in the forest.”

Mahlalela pointed out that many families rely on forestry-related jobs for survival, particularly in the wake of the rising unemployment. He cautioned that reckless actions leading to forest destruction could exacerbate the country's economic challenges.

“We cannot afford to have our economy crippled by forest fires,” he warned. “The current unemployment crisis means more families rely on the forests for their livelihoods than ever before. If these fires continue, it’s not just the forests that will suffer—it’s the entire nation.

This includes the communities that depend on timber companies and other forest-based industries for jobs, as well as the overall economic stability of the country.”

Mahlalela also highlighted the broader environmental implications of forest fires, noting that deforestation could lead to severe ecological imbalances. He called for collaboration between local authorities, community leaders, businesses, and schools to implement robust strategies aimed at fire prevention and forest conservation.

Every stakeholder has a role to play,” he said. “We must ensure that communities are not only aware of the dangers but are equipped with the knowledge and tools to prevent such disasters. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of destruction and building a sustainable future.”

The NDMA CEO further urged schools to engage with organisations like the NDMA to develop educational programmes and activities that foster awareness about environmental conservation. He expressed optimism that a united approach could reverse the trend of forest fires and protect the livelihoods tied to forestry.

share story