Mandate:

The mandate of Forestry Section is to ensure proper management, conservation and utilisation of plant and forest resources in the country and to provide a forestry extension service to farmers whilst promoting tree planting for providing forestry products to communities and conservation of nature and environment.

Forestry Programmes:

The Forestry Section is composed of 6 programmes or units:

(i) Forestry Extension: 
The programme provides a technical service to farmers and the public on forestry practices of sustainable management, conservation and utilisation of the   forest resources. The  programme is coordinated at the Ministry headquarters in Mbabane, but collaborated and networked with the regional agricultural officers, forestry extension officers, schools and Non-Governmental Organisations and communities.  Forestry information is disseminated through farmers' meetings, training workshops, field days, demonstrations, and the electronic and print media. The section also promotes tree planting through the national and  regional tree planting activities. It  further provides free tree seedlings to communities and schools for community wood lots, environment conservation, windbreaks and perimeter planting. Seedlings for individual wood lots ornamentals, shade, hedge, fodder, and  fruit trees are sold to communities and the public at a nominal charge.

Requests may be made to your local Extension agent or call the Regional Senior Extension Officers at Siteki (343 34322), Manzini (505 2272), Pigg's Peak (437 1267), Nhlangano (207 8322).

(ii) Tree Seed and Forest Nurseries:- 
The programme is coordinated at Malkerns Research Station, and collaborated and  networked with all the regional forestry extension officers. The Forestry Section operates and manages a National Tree Seed Centre (NTSC) at Malkerns Research Station. The Tree Seed  Centre produces and supplies high quality tree seeds, particularly of  indigenous species, to the section's forest nurseries, communities and the public. The  Forestry Section further runs and  manages six government forest nurseries at Ntfonjeni RDA, Luve RDA, Ludzeludze RDA, Malkerns Research Station, Mahlangatja RDA and Kontjingila RDA. The forest nurseries supply tree seedlings to rural communities, schools and general public for planting as hedge, windbreaks, ornamentals, shade wood lots, perimeter planting, fodder and fruit trees.   Both the Tree Seed Centre and Forest Nurseries provide technical advice to farmers, communities and the public on appropriate tree species suited for the different ecological regions and their availability, propagation and tending techniques.

Requests for seedlings may be made to your local Extension agent or call the Regional Senior Extension Officers at Siteki (343 34322), Manzini (505 2272), Pigg's Peak (437 1267), Nhlangano (207 8322).

(iii) Forest Mensuration and Inventory:- 
The programme undertakes forest measurements, surveys and inventories timber plantations and wood lots, for individuals, community, government both on Swazi Nation Land and Title Deed Land for the purpose of determining their value and use.  The programme further provides services of evaluating forests for members of the public in cases where damages through theft, fire or natural disasters.

Requests for seedlings may be made to your local Extension agent or call the Regional Senior Extension Officers at Siteki (343 34322), Manzini (505 2272), Pigg's Peak (437 1267), Nhlangano (207 8322).

(iv) Wattle Management:- 

The programme ensures sustainable management and utilisation of wattle forests and plantations by communities and the nation. The  wattle trees and forests are utilised for bark tanning extraction, mining timber, hardwood pulp, building and fencing poles, firewood and making charcoal.  Another task of the programme is to provide free wattle seed and  seedlings to wattle growers for improving their wattle jungles.  The programme also loans out chain saws and brush cutters, at a nominal charge, for rehabilitating farmers' wattle jungles.

(v) Indigenous Forest Management:- 

The programme ensures sustainable management, conservation and utilisation of the indigenous forests and woodlands for the production and supply of forest products.  The Programme develops and implements strategies for sensitising, training and educating communities and the public in an effort to combat the high rate of deforestation.  In addition, the Programme collects and documents seeds of very important tree species of socio-economic importance including medicinal plants.  The Programme also issues permits for cutting protected indigenous species for whatever purpose.

(vi) Herbarium:-

This programme ensures that plant resources (including forest species of socio-economic, environmental, cultural, aesthetic, and scientific value) are collected, identified, labelled, documented and stored in a national herbarium for posterity and scientific research.  The national herbarium is responsible for the identification and  documentation of all the  country's plant resources both cultivated and non-cultivated.  The herbarium conducts studies on the ecological habitats and use of the trees, as well as assessing and monitoring the plant species and determining the abundant, rare, threatened and  extinct species, then advise government on appropriate policies on management and conservation of the country's flora  The national herbarium further studies the plants' names and updates the scientific data base of the country's flora.  The national  herbarium provides technical advice and  information to government, parastatals (e.g. Swaziland National Trust Commission). University, communities, individuals, private sector, non-governmental organisations, and the public. The herbarium also collaborates and  networks with the outside world scientists and  international organisation.  It provides plant specimens to researchers as well as give services to the public in identifying exotic and documenting indigenous unknown plant species growing in Swaziland

Requests for seedlings may be made to your local Extension agent or call the Regional Senior Extension Officers at Siteki (343 34322), Manzini (505 2272), Pigg's Peak (437 1267), Nhlangano (207 8322).

The forest inventory of 1999 indicates that Swaziland has 45 percent coverage of forests and woodlands, of which natural forests cover 2.2 percent, natural woodlands 22.0 percent, natural bush lands 13.4 percent, wattle forests 1.4 percent and plantation forests 6.4 percent. Forestry is not the only land use of these forests and woodland. Other land utilisation includes extraction of a variety of forest products. Grazing, agro- forestry, nature protection and tourism.

The commercial forests and related processing industry forms a very important part of the economy of Swaziland, contributing approximately 15 percent to GDP, mainly through export.-;. The forestry sector, including the secondary processing sector, provides employment to approximately 8000 people, which is 8 percent of total formal employment in Swaziland. Commercial forestry in Swaziland is entirely run by private companies, of which Sappi-Usutu, Mondi forest and Shiselweni Forestry company are the largest. These three companies, together with some smaller ones, manage a total area of about 130000 ha covered by forest plantations. Of this total area, about 25000 ha (twenty percent) is unplanted and used for infrastructure and or the protection of biodiversity And ecosystems.

Main species are pine (predominantly Pinus parz.tla, but also P. radiata and P. taeda) and eucalyptus (mainly Eucalyplu.ssaligna and E. grandis), covering about 80 and 20 percent respectively of the planted area. The productivity is relatively high, about 15- 20 cubic metres/ha per annum t()r pine. Overall annual yield is approximately 1.2 million cubic metres of wood weigh a total value of about E650 million, which is largely exported as pulp, logs and timber

The current deforestation and degradation of the natural forest and woodland areas are caused by a combination of factors such as conversion of land to agriculture, uncontrolled extraction of forest products from communal land and large livestock populations Forest degradation is further compounded by a number of underlying socio-economic conditions, including increasing population pressure, that counteract rational utilisation of forest and woodlands.

The importance of the indigenous forest and woodlands in Swaziland is not fully recognised, and little is documented about the present utilisation and potential value, e.g. for cultural and medicinal purposes. The national forest authorities have inadequate capacity and budgets to analyse, plan and manage the forest resources. Consequently, the broadly formulated national forest policies that exist have not been translated into action plans, and similarly the forest legislation, which is considered fragmented and insufficient to enforce national policies, has not been revised for a long time.

The role and importance of forests and forestry has evolved tremendously over the past two decades, and is expected to expand its functions even more in the future. Traditionally, forestry has largely tOAL'ied on industrial production, but today its impact on social and environmental matters is fully recognised. The proper use and management of forest and woodland resources is essential to sustaining the livelihoods of rural communities. Forestry today is an integral part of most land use system, hence it must be considered in national planning as a priority in resource allocation. Cross- sectoral working relationships and integrated approaches in forest planning are key elements in today's holistic development strategies.

The policy and institutional framework of the forest sector has been reviewed as part of the forest policy and legislation formulation process supported by the technical assistance of the Danish Cooperation for 'Environment and Development (DANCED)..

The revised mission of the Government forest policies is:

"The Government Forestry Service will contribute to the sustainable development of the Swazi forest sector by providing high quality. integrated legal, technical and extension services to all stakeholders utilising trees as a means to improve livelihood, conservation of forest resources and lit"e supporting ecosystems".

The revised vision of the forest sector according to the draft of new National Forest Policy for Swaziland is:

"To achieve efficient, profitable and sustainable management and utilisation of forest resources for the benefit of the entire society, and to increase the role of forestry in environmental protection, conservation of plant and animal genetic resources and rehabilitation (in degraded land)

The new forest development policy objectives are:

To improve the access to land for the utilization and development of forest resources, and secure the tenure of forest and trees.

To promote the rational and sustainable use of land, and achieve a sustainable balance between forestry and other uses of the land and water resources.

To improve the forest productivity, and ensure sustainable supply of multiple forest products and services by maintaining the forest areas..

To improve income and living conditions, and alleviate poverty.

To conserve the biodiversity of the forest resources, encourage its sustainable use and ensure that benefits accrued are shared equitably.

To promote the integration of forestry into urban development.

To enhance the national capacity to manage and develop the forest sector in collaboration with other stakeholder:).
The objectives will he pursued through the sustainable management of four strategic forestry areas, namely industrial forestry, community forestry, urban forestry and natural forests and woodland management which are elaborated in detail in the draft new National Forest Policy document.

The emphasis of the Forestry Section during the current plan period will focus on the
following:-
Review the Forest Policy and Legislation
Through the technical assistance of the Danish cooperation for environmental and development (DANCED), forest sector study and forest resource assessment were undertaken during period April 1999 and July 2000. A new forest policy formulated through the production of a forest policy green paper ( forest policy issues paper) and forest policy white paper (draft forest policy document) during the period August 2000 and September 2001. A draft forest legislation was produced during July/August 2001 by a Danish Consultant based on the draft nelv national forest policy. In addition communication activities to raise awareness and educate the nation on forest policy legislation and action programme issues were initiated and implemented. Technical studies and demonstration<Jn projects were planned and implemented. The formulation and preparation of a national forestry action programme (NFAP) has been initiated. The DANCED supported programme is expected to terminate in April 2002. Due to delayed start of project activities and other technical problems experienced during the past two years, a six months project extension from April to October 2002 is being negotiated to enable the project to complete the formulation and preparation of the NF AP and other project activities in October 2002.

Management of Forest Resources

The DANCED funded programme will prepare a National Forestry Action Programme (NF AP). (mc: of the outputs of the programme will be the definition and development (of national criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management (SFM) of all types of forests and woodlands. The criteria and indicators at national level have been defined by a Danish Consultant working with stake holders in February 2001 based on the dry zone process for Africa. The criteria and indicators needs to be defined and developed at the forest management unit level for each of the forest types. Once defined, developed and tested, the criteria and indicators will form part of the regulations which will be the basis for the establishment of agreed management standard for all types of forests in. Swaziland. A natural resource accounting for forestry has been initiated. The information will be useful in giving forestry more value in national accounts than is the case at present and thus give forestry a competitive position when planning for other land uses. The NF AP will define the programmes and requirements for industrial forestry, community forestry (including wattle, woodlots and agro-forestry), urban forestry and natural forests and woodland. The NF AP is also expected to define the programmes and services to be provided by the government and those to be provided by other stakeholders.

Indigenous Forests and Woodlands
The draft of the new national forest policy call for the establishment of natural resources management committees in each chiefdom who will overseer the protection, management and use of all forest resources in their chiefdoms and areas. This concept has been accepted and supported by the chiefs and communities. It is expected that once operational, the over-exploitation of indigenous forest resources will be brought under control. A supporting legislation to control the use of protected flora as well as all indigenous plants of socio-economic importance is already in place, the Flora Protection Act No.5, 2001. The forest legislation to support the national forest policy is under preparation. It is expected ready for promulgation around June 2002. The forest policy and the legislation provides for the establishment of government flora and forest resource and communally managed forest reserves.

Wattle Forests
Wattle continues to be a source of raw material and income for many rural communities through the sale of firewood, wattle bark. construction and mining timber and hardwood pulp. It is also a source of bark for the production of vegetable tannin in Matsapha ill Swazi Wattle Industries and Iswl.'Pc in South America. A second tannin extraction plant will be established at Nhlangano by Swazi Wattle Industries in partnership or joint venture with Swazi and South African investors. The raw material for the two tannin plants will be supplied by the three regional Swazi Nation Land Wattle Growers Cooperative Societies in Shiselweni, Manzini and Hhohho. It is anticipated that the individua1 title deed land wattle growers will also participate in the new investment. A memorandum of understanding to facilitate business relations amongst all the participating stakeholders in the wattle industry, that is investors, wattle growers and the Government is under preparation.

Government Plantations

Efforts will be made to identity government forests which could realistically be managed by the government forestry service and those which could be leased to private entrepreneurs for management and utilization. The NF AP will further define the activities and requirements to effectively utilisation programme of all government lands with timber plantations.

Community Forests

The NFAP will define and establish a programme for the development of community forests. Natural resources management committees will be established in each chiefdom to oversee the protection, management and use of all forest resources in their areas. These structures arc expected to help in the identification of land for forestry development as well as implementing the forest policy NFAP, and enforcing the legislation.

Private Forest Plantations

Collaboration and technical liaison between private and public forest sector will be further enhanced in the implementation of the national forest policy and legislation as the private sector has been part of the forest policy formulation process. Government has continued to playa significant role in the tight against forest fires through fire fighting task team established by the Ministry of Agriculture and cooperatives to help Sappi Usutu. Government has continued to safeguard the interests of the nation through dialogue with the private sector in matters of serious concern.

Urban Forestry

This is a new programme, which is an output of the new national forest policy. The NF AP will help define the activities and requirements of this programme. However, efforts will be made to educate society about the importance and value of urban forestry. Collaborative work will be pursued between the ministries responsible for housing and urban development and forestry, as well as other relevant stakeholders. The forest policy and legislation provides for the establishment of urban and other recreational and touristy activities. It is also expected that the urban and peri-urban communities will also playa significant role in the development of urban forestry.  

Forestry Extension and Education

Rural communities through the forest policy and legislation activities were sensitised and educated on various forestry and environment related issues through several communication and education channels. Eight meetings for chiefs were held in 2000, two in each region to introduce and debate forest policy and legislative issues affecting the country. Over thirty nine community meetings were held in thirty nine Tinkhundla centres in February-June 2001 to discuss forest policy and legislative issues. Four regional meetings/ workshop one in each region for communities were held to introduce and discuss the draft forest policy document. Through the forest policy project activities three newsletter articles have been produced, a 15 minutes forestry radio programme produced with the Swaziland Broadcasting and Information Services, and several brochures, pamphlets, newspaper articles, calendars, T-shirts, caps and pins produced and distributed to the public.. It is planned that more community meetings at the Tinkhudla level and regional workshops will be held early to mid 2002 to present and diSAL, the forest legislation and the national forestry action programme.

National Tree Seed Programme

A national tree seed programme has been established and continues to network with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tree Seed Centre Network (TSCN). The regiona1 tree seed network supported by the Canadian International Development Agency. (CIDA) is phasing out by December 2001. SADC member countries will have to support the regional network activities from their own national government budgets. Awareness creation and education activities for forestry and agricultural extension workers were held in 2000

Seedling Production

The procurement, collection and propagation of tree seed in the six government forest nurseries, particularly of indigenous species will be intensified. The production of tree seedlings will be improved to maximum capability. Improved methods of seedling production will be investigated and better techniques and technology applied.

Forest Research

Conducting research on ethno-botany (social botany relating to traditional use of plants including trees and shrubs);
Conducting other conservation and utilization related research.
Some work on documentation of the traditional use of indigenous plants is being conducted by the Universit)' of Swaziland.

Strengthening Afforestation and reforestation National Tree Planting

National tree planting remains the main thrust for addressing problems of deforestation, loss of biodiversity, shortage of fuel wood, land degradation and drought as well as climate change. Demands for forest products and fuel wood remain unsatisfied. Trees continue to be planted countrywide by rural communities through the national tree campaign, the agricultural and forestry extension service, non-governmental organisations and the agencies to address the above problems.

Inventory and Conservation of the Flora of Swaziland

The Flora Protection Act No. 45 of 1952 was reviewed and amended, A Flora Protection Bill 2000 was submitted to parliament and passed in November 2000. It has since received royal assent early 2001 and it is now known as the Flora Protection Act No.5 of 2001.

A document on the medicinal plants of Swaziland was produced by the University of Swaziland early 2001. it is hoped that this will form the basis for further research and thus enhance the socio-economic and cultural benefits of the medicinal plant sub-sector.

Preparations of a project for the establishment of a permanent national herbarium and a national botanical garden will be undertaken. A project for establishing a Royal National Botanical Garden and a Government Botanical Garden is under preparation. Three regional biodiversity conservation initiatives and net\vorks are currently on-going. These are the Southern African Biodiversity Network (SABONET), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Biodiversity Conservation Programme (BCP) and the SADC Service for Environmental Conservation and Utilization of Southern African Diversity (SECUSAD).

The SABONET and SECUSAD are coordinated by the National Herbarium Unit of the Forestry Section of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Whilst the BCP is coordinated by the Swaziland Environment Authority of the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Communication. The SABONET is phasing out late 2002.

Institutional Strengthening and Support to Forestry Sector Development

Following the formulation of the forest policy and institutional framework of the forest sector, and the NF AP yet to be prepared, a technical assistance project will be formulated to implement the NF AP. This will be largely aimed at institutional strengthening to build capacity and capability of the forest sector to effectively and efficiently deliver services to society.