Namibian forests under pressure

Namibia’s few forest and woodland ecosystems are under severe pressure from illegal logging, land clearing for small-scale farming, unsustainable harvesting and frequent, uncontrolled fires.Tackling these challenges requires adding value to forests beyond timber, as well as improving the management of state and communal forest areas, according to the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) in its newly released 2024 annual report.“To do this, NNF assists communities to capture value from new and existing markets for sustainably harvested forest products,” the report states. In 2024, the NNF team expanded its work to include under-studied areas of south-eastern Namibia, home to a range of endemic plant species, some of which are at risk from the illegal succulent trade.Tackling illegal activities The foundation added that the newly gazetted Zambezi State Forest Reserve (ZSFR) is a key stronghold for woodland and forest species under threat, especially hardwoods targeted for their valuable timber.“Surrounding community forests could support the ZSFR by creating a buffer zone and aligning their management practices," the NNF advised.The foundation underlined that to fully establish the ZSFR, it is necessary to clearly demarcate its unfenced boundaries.To support this effort, the NNF team has produced informational signage and concrete boundary markers.However, the foundation reported that illegal activities were observed during joint patrols with members of the forestry directorate, police and army. These incidents highlight the urgent need for a clear implementation plan to guide the management of the reserve and to begin enforcing regulations aimed at preventing further degradation.Resource management trainingThe foundation further reported that with funding and technical assistance from the US Forestry Service, 65 defence officials and community forest members from 21 community forests in the Kavango and Zambezi regions received training on fire management.Additionally, 90 sets of fire-resistant clothing, 50 fire beaters and 12 first-aid kits were donated.As part of broader fire control efforts, 20 members of local community forests were employed to clear 80 kilometres of cutlines within and around the reserve, aimed at reducing the risk of future wildfires.The NNF added that the Kwandu and Lubuta community forests have completed their forest inventories, covering 40 000 hectares. This marks an important step towards updating the management plan and setting new sustainable-use quotas for tree species. In addition, the team collaborated with defence officials to provide training on how to conduct inventories, identify plants and manage forest resources for community forests throughout north-eastern Namibia.

Namibian forests under pressure

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-16

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Namibian forests under pressure

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-16

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