Masvingo Province has stepped up efforts to protect its forests and natural ecosystems, pledging decisive action against illegal mining, charcoal production, and the rampant felling of ironwood (mutsviri) trees, which continue to threaten the region’s woodland cover.
Speaking at a provincial tree-planting event in Mwenezi yesterday, Masvingo Provincial Director of Planning, Clemence Matewu, said authorities are prioritising the safeguarding of existing forests and strengthening community-based conservation initiatives.
“We are fully aware of the challenges facing our forests, including deforestation and degradation caused mainly by illegal mining, charcoal production, and the illicit cutting of precious ironwood trees. We will stop at nothing to protect our forest heritage and hold culprits accountable,” he said.
Matewu highlighted the province’s progress in securing woodland ecosystems, noting that more than 100,000 hectares of forest were now under formal protection.
“Most of these areas are managed through community-based forest management committees. These forests are not just trees, they are vital river and dam catchments that protect water resources essential for economic transformation as we work toward Vision 2030,” he added.
Mwenezi District Information Officer Rodney Kudzanai echoed the call for stronger environmental stewardship, urging communities to remain vigilant amid rising deforestation pressures. He emphasized that tree planting should be viewed as an ongoing responsibility rather than a single-day activity.
“Planting a tree is only the beginning. What matters most is what happens afterwards. We must nurture, water, protect, and monitor these trees until they mature. Let us prevent veld fires, stop indiscriminate tree cutting, and adopt environmentally responsible practices in our daily lives,” Kudzanai said.
The tree-planting event was part of the National Tree Planting Programme, spearheaded by the Forestry Commission under the guidance of the Second Republic and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
This year’s commemorations ran under the theme, “Trees and forests for ecosystem restoration and improved livelihoods. When we plant a tree, we plant hope. We plant life. We plant the future.”
The Forestry Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable forest management, community partnerships, and long-term stewardship in Masvingo’s efforts towards restoring degraded landscapes and preserving natural heritage for future generations.
