New forestry project aims for sustainable management through stakeholder engagement

Manicaland, Zimbabwe - Key stakeholders gathered for inception meetings of a new Miombo woodlands restoration project, focused on the sustainable management of forests in Chipinge, Mudzi and Rushinga, laying out the next steps and areas for collaboration to ensure its success.

The project, led by the Forestry Commission and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is set to kick off in the coming months with a focus on engaging key players and laying the groundwork for effective execution.

As part of the engagements FAO and the Forestry Commission in Zimbabwe, were conducting comprehensive on-site assessments and stakeholder engagements with district-level officials, community leaders, environmental organizations, and industry representatives in the target districts. This involved evaluating the current state of forest resources and identifying local challenges and opportunities.

"These inception meetings are the start of full implementation," said the FAO Natural Resources Management Coordinator, Banarbas Mawire. "Once that is finalized, the project will then be able to start in earnest. This participatory approach will ensure that our implementation strategies are tailored to the unique needs of each district."

"By collaborating closely with local stakeholders, we can promote long-term sustainability and community ownership of the project," he added. 

Next steps

A crucial next step highlighted across all the three inception meetings was the upcoming baseline survey or study, which the acting Director General of the Forestry Commission, Joyce Gombe said will help refine the work plan and activities of the project. The survey, is expected to be completed by the end of March, will help scope issues like the five thousand targeted beneficiary households.

"The baseline will give us a clear picture of the existing conditions and the key players we need to engage with," explained the acting Director General. "This will be an ongoing process, as we maintain continuous engagement with local structures to avoid any misunderstandings," said Joyce Gombe.

Collaboration emerged as a central theme, with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Rushinga District, Jairos Masiye, thanking the project's "partners" and emphasizing the "energy and support" from FAO and the Forestry Commission. The need for continued stakeholder engagement was further stressed, by the CEO for Mudzi district, Victor Nyamutswa stating, "We expect to continue engaging each stakeholder in the future for the success of this project."

A local community leader, Rushinga Ward 1 Councilor, Peter Kaitano, emphasized the importance of private sector involvement, "This should not only involve the government, but should also involve the private sector. The private sector needs to be on board, please," he said.

"By working together, we can ensure the Miombo woodlands continue to thrive and support the livelihoods of our communities for years to come," Chief Nyakusengwa, from Ward 1 Rushinga added.

Livelihoods, employment creation and addressing cross-border issues

The Miombo woodlands cover a vast area of both Mozambique and Zimbabwe and are home to rich biodiversity, including important wildlife populations. However, attendees expressed the transboundary nature of the forests has led to challenges such as charcoal production, illegal harvesting of timber and other criminal activities.

"Addressing these cross-border issues should also be a key focus of the project," explained Chipinge District Development Coordinator, William Mashava. "We hope that there are plans within the project for develop joint management strategies and strengthen law enforcement along the border areas. Taking into mind that we do not only share a border with Mozambique but families, languages culture and more," asserted William Mashava.

Speaking on behalf of the government, a representative from the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife said, "Our goal is to demonstrate that protecting the environment can also improve people's lives. By empowering local communities and providing them with alternative livelihood options, we can reduce pressure on the forests and ensure a brighter future for generations to come," said Cyrian Shamu.

With the groundwork laid, attendees expressed optimism about the project's potential impact. As Joyce Gombe concluded, "It was informative and productive, and we expect to continue engaging each stakeholder in the future for the success of this project."