Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-The country`s traditional leadership has called for urgent action to curb deforestation, warning environmental degradation was accelerating climate disasters.
President of the Chiefs Council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, called for the revival of traditional courts to enforce customary laws against deforestation, arguing that this will help preserve forests, restore ecological balance, and combat climate change.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Climate, Green Economy, and Environmental Sustainability Indaba on Friday, Chief Khumalo expressed concern over the rapid destruction of forests and stressed the need for a united effort to halt the crisis.
“There is an urgent need for the country to address deforestation and promote sustainable development. Reviving traditional courts will empower chiefs to hold offenders accountable under customary law, ensuring our forests are protected for future generations,” he said.
Khumalo also highlighted the need for alternative energy solutions to reduce reliance on firewood, a major driver of deforestation.
“To curb tree loss, we must transition to sustainable energy sources like biogas, solar, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This will not only preserve forests but also enhance climate resilience,” he added.
Other traditional leaders echoed his sentiments, urging the government to impose harsher penalties on environmental offenders.
Chief Staudze of Beitbridge criticized weak enforcement, saying: “Current laws are ineffective. We need stricter punishments to deter deforestation, which worsens climate change, leading to more droughts and floods.”
Chief Siansali of Binga called for better policy coordination between agencies like the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Forestry Commission.
“Clear guidelines and stronger collaboration are essential to protect our forests, which play a vital role in climate mitigation,” he said.
The traditional leaders stressed that community involvement, stricter laws, and green energy adoption are critical to safeguarding the country`s environment.
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