Manicaland forests under threat from poachers

 

By Elizabeth Kucherera 

In the middle of the deepening electricity crisis in Zimbabwe, a new wave of environmental destruction is sweeping across Mutare south in Manicaland.

Firewood poachers, driven by the demand for alternative energy sources are cutting down trees at an alarming rate. The poachers use the cover of darkness to cut down the trees, while some daring ones do it in broad daylight.

The trees are subsequently burnt, with the charcoal harvested for resale in the urban areas of Mutare.

Nomusa Madora (46) one firewood poacher, sells charcoal from her village in  Bocha in all Mutare markets and across the Sakubva community.

During an interview, it was clear she was aware of her illegal activites and that the Police, Environmental Management Agency and Zimbabwe Forestry Commission authorities were on the lookout for them.

“The electricity shportahes crisis has made our charcoal business to grow,” Madora said. “l am now able to provide the best for my family through sneaking into the forest and burn firewood into charcoal.

“I cut down the trees, mostly the Musharu specie, and burn them to produce charcoal.

“Charcoal is in high demand as we speak. Some need it for their businesses and domestic use,” she said.

Also in Gandai, woodland poachers are putting the country’s biodiversity at risk as most forest are now depleted and semi-deserts remain.

“We were seeing others being able to send their children to school and admiring their standard of living through selling charcoal. l then decided to join them with my children.

“We are just trying to survive with my family,” said one of the poacher in Buhera who requested anonymity.

The Police and stakeholders are doing their best to stop poachers and halt deforestation. They are deploying officers where deforestation is taking place.

Manicaland member in charge confirmed they have ongoing operations to bring to book the illegal tree poachers.

With the economic crisis in Zimbabwe, people are trying their best to eke out a living by poaching firewood.

The Forestry Commission have imposed deterrent fines to the offending poachers. The fines range from US$2 000 up to $3 000 depending on the quantity of the firewood .

Authorities are trying step up their patrolls and surveillance to protect Zimbabwe’s precious natural heritage.