The ManicaPost
Tanyaradzwa Mujati
Post Reporter
PLAYERS in the forestry industry have called for research into early maturing pine tree species with a shorter growing cycle.
Speaking during the 29th Zimbabwe College of Forestry graduation ceremony in Mutare last week, Wattle Company managing director, Mrs Victoria Jakazi said: “The area of research needs to be taken seriously. We need research into early maturing tree species which still serve the same purpose, but with a shorter growing cycle. Most of our current pine varieties mature after between 20 to 25 years.
“This is a big barrier to entry for most forestry investors. Industry should also continuously search for more enhanced fire detection technology since fires have historically been associated with significant losses in forest resources.”
She called upon the Forestry Commission to mainstream the Education 5.0 Policy that was implemented in February at the institution which is producing personnel relevant for the industry.
“I am calling upon authorities at Forestry Commission to mainstream the Education 5.0 Policy in the training of forestry professionals. This is a five-mission model of teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation, established to move the nation forward towards an innovation-led and knowledge-driven economy.
“In line with this model, the forestry sector is poised to move in sync with technological advancement in other fields and take advantage of these.
“Today’s forestry graduates must be schooled in modern technology such as the use of drones to enhance their role in the various aspects of forest management, including monitoring the state and health of the forests, as well as detection of timber poachers, fire detection, and for more accurate and efficient timber volume calculations,” said Mrs Jakazi.
She highlighted the importance of conserving forests.
“The carbon reservoir in the forest biomass and soils is very large, thereby highlighting the importance of conserving natural forests and eliminating agricultural or other development practices and activities that contribute to the deterioration of these reservoirs.
“The expected sequestration of carbon through the growth of trees after sustainable harvest compensates for the carbon dioxide emitted by combustion,” said Mrs Jakazi.
She urged people to conserve forests as they also contribute in fighting climate change.
“Memories of Cyclone Idai are still lingering in our minds.
“We can also use forests to fight climate change. Trees are symbols of hope, life and transformation. They are also a relatively inexpensive solution to climate change. We need to protect the trees and mix them with crops to help both farmers and the climate,” said Mrs Jakazi.
She hailed the introduction of the National Forest Policy.
“We are excited that for the first time in the history of forestry in Zimbabwe, we now have a National Forest Policy which was approved by Cabinet on May 16, 2023.
“It is our belief as the forestry industry that the diligent implementation of this policy will make a significant difference in the sustainable management of forest resources in Zimbabwe,” she said.
The forestry industry is traditionally male dominated, but the Zimbabwe’s College of Forestry is working hard to ensure inclusivity as 60 percent of the 24 graduates were women.
Forestry Commission’s information and communication manager, Ms Violet Makoto said the company prioritises the participation of women at the Zimbabwe College of Forestry.
Ms Makoto said: “The success we have registered in gender equality is derived from national programmes that are there to empower women.
“The forestry sector is male dominated but from our graduating class, 60 percent are women. From their study reports, the highest performing students are women, with eight out of ten in the top ten being women. They are proving to the world that even women can also succeed in the forestry industry.”
