A section of a forest in Africa. PHOTO/FSC/JONATHAN PERUGIA.
By PATRICK MAYOYO
Deforestation and forest degradation are urgent threats to Africa’s environment, economy, and development policy-makers at the ongoing inaugural Zámba Heritage Congress in Nairobi, have said.
These challenges are not only hindering conservation efforts but also impacting the continent’s ability to sustainably manage its vast natural resources. The dual threats of deforestation and forest degradation, are exacerbated by a combination of human activities, climate change, and weak governance structures.
While deforestation involves large-scale tree removal for agriculture, urbanisation, and timber extraction, forest degradation occurs when the structure, function, and biodiversity of forests are compromised over time, often leaving the ecosystem less resilient. Together, these issues create a vicious cycle that accelerates the loss of vital ecosystems, with far-reaching consequences for both the environment and local communities.
The Zámba Heritage Congress ends tomorrow, brings together key stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, including environmental conservationists, policy-makers, climate change specialists, community leaders, as well as state and non-state actors.
Organised by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Africa in partnership with the Government of Kenya, the Congress aims to address the mounting environmental challenges facing the continent’s vital forest ecosystems.
In Africa, deforestation and degradation are especially prevalent, with the continent losing more than 3.9 million hectares of forest annually, according to the United Nations.
A country such as Zambia rich in forest resources, is facing significant challenges. Zambia, for example, has a forest cover of 45.4 million hectares; over 60 percent of its total land area, but loses approximately 172,000 hectares of forest each year to logging, agriculture, and urban sprawl.
Dr. Freddie Siangulube from Zambia’s Ministry of Green Economy and Environment emphasized that despite these challenges, Zambia has introduced policies aimed at reversing forest degradation through initiatives like reforestation, agro-forestry, and community-based forest management.
Dr. Siangulube said the country is also focusing on boosting the private sector’s involvement in sustainable timber concessions and the value-added processing of timber products.
He added Zambia’s engagement in carbon markets is expected to generate additional economic benefits and contribute to forest restoration efforts, with three million hectares of degraded land having been restored so far.
Mr Imede Falume the National Director of Forests and Wildlife in Mozambique said the country has 30–40 million hectares of forest, covering nearly 50 percent of its territory with part of it affected by forest degradation.
Mr. Falume, pointed out that the country is tackling these issues by revitalising forest reserves and promoting sustainable forest management practices.
He said Mozambique is also focusing on expanding the wood processing industry and developing a national carbon market adding that legislative reforms, such as the recent approval of the Forest Law No. 17/2023, aim to modernise the country’s forest management framework and improve enforcement.
Mr Falume added Mozambique’s leadership in the Miombo Initiative; a collaboration involving 11 countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), seeks to foster industrialisation, trade, and regional cooperation for sustainable forest management.
He said the initiative also aims to generate job opportunities and reduce poverty, with projections for 15,000 new jobs under the Forest Investment Program (PROFOREST).
However, many other African nations, are also grappling with a range of barriers that impede progress in forest conservation.
Dr. Yemi Katerere, a key speaker at the congress, highlighted the continent’s over-reliance on exporting raw timber, which limits the potential for value addition and leaves Africa’s share of the global timber trade at a meagre 2-4%.
To overcome this, Dr Katerere said there is an urgent need for greater investment in processing industries and value-added forest products. Additionally, trade barriers, currency restrictions, and trans-boundary challenges continue to undermine the effectiveness of regional conservation efforts.
Dr Katerere said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market across the continent, is seen as a potential game-changer for addressing these barriers and enabling more robust trade in forest products.
Prof Laboda Popoola said currency and trans-boundary barriers in Africa need to be eliminated to spur economic transformation.
“There is need to have single currency and elimination of visa requirements for Africans travelling from one country to another to spur economic transformation, Prof Popoola said.
In the face of these challenges, the call for stronger collaboration and integration of sustainable forest management practices is more urgent than ever. Forests are not only essential for biodiversity and carbon sequestration but also support the livelihoods of millions of people across Africa.
Governments, the private sector, and local communities must work together to implement conservation measures that address the complex ecological, social, and economic factors at play.
With concerted effort, there is hope that Africa’s forests can be preserved and utilised sustainably for generations to come. As the congress concluded, it was clear that Africa’s forest future hinges on effective governance, international cooperation, and bold action to tackle deforestation and degradation head-on.
