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Nesia Mhaka Herald Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Forestry Commission (ZFC) has embarked on an afforestation and reforestation programmes targeting to replace trees which were uprooted by the devastating Cyclone Idai mainly in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts.

In an interview with The Herald last week, ZFC general manager Mr Abedinigo Marufu said the parastatal the was set to take part in restoring and beautifying areas which were damaged by Cyclone Idai.

He said they will be encouraging forest restoration and rehabilitation of degraded sites through afforestation and reforestation programmes.

“We will be pushing forestry companies in the area like Allied Timbers, Border Timbers, Wattle Company, the RDC and local communities and development partners to plant more resilient tree species like indigenous trees which grow in the area,” said Mr Marufu.

“We will implement strict management of existing small woodlands that help to stabilise the ecosystem and biodiversity of the area.

“We are crafting a Statutory Instrument (SI) to enforce companies to plant trees in open areas and also manage those areas with indigenous trees for the ecological benefit of the areas.”

Mr Marufu urged Government to relocate illegal settlers in the area that have caused environmental damage through unsustainable farming practices and illegal mining activities.

“Illegal mining should also be stopped forthwith and our sister department, EMA, will be on the ground to enforce the laws on environmental management,” he said.

“Unsustainable timber harvesting or illegal logging will be discouraged and sustainable forest management will be promoted.”

Mr Marufu said they will be training local communities and schools to upscale tree planting at their homesteads through afforestation and reforestation programmes.

He called on the collaboration of both local communities and all forestry stakeholders to ensure the success of the project.

“We will fight deforestation caused by those who illegally sell fuelwood by enforcing the Forestry Act, more so the judiciary will be encouraged to impose custodial sentences rather than fines, to make it more deterrent to commit such offences,” said Mr Marufu.

“The plantation industry will be urged to do more on fire management practices, more on their preparedness to control fire than fighting it when it breaks out. This includes making of fireguards and establishing trained firefighting brigades to be on standby during this coming fire season.”