Forestry Management

Forests are one of the most important natural resources of Zambia and cover about 60 per cent of the total land area of the country. The concept of Forest management is a collective responsibility where consultation and identification of real managers is significant. It is a practice where certain ideas such as the enthusiasm for democratic political systems, legal empowerment of the poor and sustainable development, reinforce each other, providing powerful synergies in both urban and rural areas.

Sustainable management of Forests is essential to maintain various forest resources found in these forests. Forest Resources refers to ‘trees and all the benefits one gets from trees such as medicine, firewood timber, fibre and so on’ (Joint Forest Management Guidelines, 2002:1). It also involves the services offered by trees like oxygen, climate regulation and also the environment created by trees for products like mushrooms, honey, fertile soil and animal life. Forests and woodlands in Zambia contribute significantly to the livelihood of the local communities residing near or adjacent to the forest or open area.

Legal Aspects of Forest Resources Management in Zambia

In accordance with the Forestry Act, 1999 of Zambia, ownership of all trees and all forest products derived from the national and local forests, customary land and local forest open areas is vested in the President on behalf of the Republic of Zambia (Forest Act 1999 section 3).

However, the responsibility of controlling and managing the forests and forest reserves, is conferred on the Forest Department under the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources. The forest reserves are in two categories:

Local forests – these are used for: conservation and development of forests for security of forest resources; protection of land and water supplies of local strategic importance; improvement of forest resources management and sustainability of the use of forest resources at local levels; and to meet the social, cultural and economic needs of the people.

National forests are used exclusively for the conservation and development of forests for national impacts. These include the conservation of ecosystems and biological diversity; improving forests resources; and the management of major water catchments and water (Joint Forest Management Guidelines: 1).