Forestry group promises to stand its ground

THE Community Forestry in North Eastern Namibia (CFNEN) project has reassured communities in Kavango, Caprivi and Western Tsumkwe of its continued commitment to support the preserving and protecting of forest resources in the region.

The assurance was given at a staff meeting held at the Lalapanzi Lodge at Grootfontein at the beginning of the month. One of the many tasks discussed at the gathering was finding workable approaches to disappearing forests through illegal and irresponsible harvesting, and an increase in bush fires.Existing working procedures were revisited, new ones put in place, and a technical follow-up recommended.The relationship between the different role players in community-based resource management as well as their relationship with communities was discussed.CFNEN and Directorate of Forestry staff attended the meeting from Rundu, Katima Mulilo and Kano Vlei in the West Tsumkwe district.It concluded with a visit to the M’kata Community Forest, the forestry research station and the Omatako rest camp, where a lot of forest-related activities are taking place.One of the many tasks discussed at the gathering was finding workable approaches to disappearing forests through illegal and irresponsible harvesting, and an increase in bush fires.Existing working procedures were revisited, new ones put in place, and a technical follow-up recommended.The relationship between the different role players in community-based resource management as well as their relationship with communities was discussed.CFNEN and Directorate of Forestry staff attended the meeting from Rundu, Katima Mulilo and Kano Vlei in the West Tsumkwe district.It concluded with a visit to the M’kata Community Forest, the forestry research station and the Omatako rest camp, where a lot of forest-related activities are taking place.