18 Nov 2013

Forests do not only protect the environment, but are also reservoirs of a variety of natural resources and important source of food, fuel, fodder, poles, medicines and other materials that have provided the basic needs for the people since time immemorial.

Officiating at the Kweneng District tree planting day at Gakgatla on November 13, Mogoditshane/Thamaga Sub-council chairman, Mr Driver Motlokwa said forests played a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance at local, national, regional and global levels.

He further explained that they also protected fragile ecosystems, watersheds and acted as a rich storehouse of bio-diversity and biological resources of genetic material for biotechnology products.

He highlighted that in the past, when human populations were small, man established a harmonious partnership with nature. However, he cited that today with increasing population pressure, lands were often used in ways which were ecologically unsound, citing that in arid zones, overgrazing can set off a chain of events leading to irreparable soil degradation.

Also, he said all indicators seemed to point to the fact that the continued depletion of forests creates serious environmental problems such as land degradation, soil erosion, deforestation, depletion of water resources, changes in micro climates as well as persistent cycles of drought and desertification.

He said all these factors are the cause for the disappearance of large areas of productive forest-land annually. “It therefore, becomes apparent that these problems have to be addressed sooner than later to mitigate their effects as they affect the quality of life of our people particularly in the rural areas,” he said. Uncontrolled forest fires which are reportedly predominant in Kweneng, also have been cited to be a serious threat to the existence of trees and forest as well as a habitat of other life forms.

Mr Motlokwa noted that uncontrolled forest fires create serious imbalances in the ecosystem. He therefore urged the public to be cautious of the fact that the next generation will need the same environment for their development too. For his part, Department of Forestry and Range Resources head, Mr Motsereganyi Sekgopo told residents that as part of the celebrations, Boscia albitrunca (Marotlopi) tree, has been selected as this year’s tree of the year.

He said indigenous tree species are always preferred as trees of the year because of their multi-purpose nature and their resilience to adverse climatic conditions. For that reason, motlopi was chosen because it is widely distributed throughout the country and it grows on different soil types. It has multiple uses that range from treatment of epilepsy and eye treatment in cattle. Also, its roots extracts provide treatment for haemorrhoids and can be pounded to make porridge and coffee.

Also its nutritious leaves are often browsed by cattle. Held under the theme, “Forests for People: A key to poverty eradication,” the event’s overall objective was to increase public awareness and understanding of environmental issues. ENDS