28 Nov 2021

Concerted efforts between local communities and stakeholders can help improve low survival rate of planted trees and increase the country’s chance of reaching the 150 000 target of trees that should be planted annually. 

Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Ms Philda Kereng said during national tree planting day in Ramokgwebana on Thursday that the aim was to increase the target to one million trees. 

She said factors such as lack of interest, problem animals, shortage of water and harsh climate conditions resulted in the low survival rate of planted trees. She, however, expressed confidence that the number of trees planted would significantly increase owing to some emerging partnerships between her ministry and the private sector as well as NGOs. 

“I am reliably informed of collaborations with District Health Management Teams in Gaborone and Molepolole to plant trees at all clinics within the two health districts. I am positive that these trees would include fruit trees and medicinal trees that will benefit all Batswana,” she added. 

She explained that this year, Mmilo was chosen as tree of the year to promote indigenous trees, which were prone to overexploitation. 

“I want to mention that trees like Mmilo will equally provide not only food to us, but if managed well will create income to those depending on natural resources. Value chain for Mmilo and related natural resources could be mapped in the near future,” she said. 

She expressed concern at the rampant bush encroachments and uncontrolled bush fires, which stretched resources beyond their regenerative capacities.

 Ms Kereng also shed light on the National Agroforestry Strategy, which was completed in October 2020 and would be piloted at the beginning of February 2022 in Ngamiland and Kgalagadi. “Agroforestry practices are envisaged to improve community livelihoods and diversify local economies while reducing pressure on natural forests, thus contributing to sustainable production patterns,” she said. The Minister explained that the National Forest Master Plan, which was currently being developed in collaboration with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and due for completion in April 2022, was expected to guide management decisions and actions on sustainable forest management. 

Ms Kereng said it was unfortunate that the country was dealing with illegal entry of plant species. She said some such as the invasive Prosopis or Sexanana had taken over farmlands and communal areas and suppressed the growth of the country’s indigenous plants.

 She said efforts were being made to implement the Integrated Strategy on the Management of Prosopis with a view to creating value chains around the plant and enhancing benefits to local communities as work around its elimination progressed. 

“In collaboration with our partners, BORAVAST communities in south western Kgalagadi have been supported to derive economic benefits from Prosopis in their area. 

They have commercialised the species by making fodder and charcoal products. This contributes to environmental conservation and value chains for the benefit of local communities,” she added. 

Ms Kereng said her Ministry through the Department of Forestry and Range Resources, also drove alternative sustainable poverty eradication packages such as backyard tree nurseries, landscaping, fire-flapper manufacturing, phane and grass harvesting. Ms Kereng said the beneficiaries of these initiatives were predominantly rural communities. 

The sector had already created 9 512 temporary jobs and generated revenue amounting to P2 008 191 during the current financial year, she said. She explained that at the just ended COP26 summit, World Leaders noted the importance of climate change in relation to forestry conservation by adopting the Forestry and Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use. Ms Kereng said the Declaration aimed to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030, protect biodiversity; support local communities residing in forests and most importantly call for increased investment in forest protection by the private sector. In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Mollen Dube of Ramakgwebana called for solutions that could address overexploitation of natural resources. 

Giving a vote of thanks, Member of Parliament for Tati West, Mr Simon Moabi said the North East District had abundant natural and historical resources such as the Domboshaba ruins, which could be used to create employment for the people of the North east.

 This year’s national tree planting day was held in the North East as the district is challenged with increased land degradation and widespread soil erosion, which threatens prosperity, wellbeing and livelihood of the community. 

This year’s theme was: Forest Restoration: A Path to recovery and well-being. Ends