In a significant move towards sustainable resource management, Namibia’s Sustainable Forestry program is redefining the approach to its forests by emphasising a strategy that goes “Beyond Timber.” The initiative, led by the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), seeks to support the sustainable management of the country’s botanical and forest resources, addressing the critical overharvesting and degradation that have long threatened these ecosystems.

Milestone achieved: gazetting of Zambezi State forest reserve

On May 15, 2023, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) officially gazetted the Zambezi State Forest Reserve (ZSFR), covering 142,000 hectares. This crucial development grants legal status to the reserve, enabling enhanced management efforts and protection against illegal activities, including logging and unauthorised settlements. Previously, the lack of formal recognition left the reserve vulnerable to various illicit activities, particularly concerning valuable hardwood species.

Some of the initiatives under the Beyond Timber initiative include :

• Empowering local communities through education

Community involvement remains a cornerstone of the initiative. Many local communities manage Community Forests (CFs), relying on them for subsistence and income. However, the lack of up-to-date forest inventories has hindered legal timber harvesting. The NNF has assisted the Masida and Sachona CFs in conducting comprehensive inventories across 30,000 hectares, while also guiding new communities in establishing their own CFs.

• Economic diversification beyond timber

Recognizing the need for economic diversification, the NNF is also promoting non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Workshops have trained community members to harvest and process products like honey and Marula fruit. Notably, participants from four CFs learned to create syrup from Marula, with some even selling their products at local markets.

• Expanding opportunities for local harvesters

In a bid to bolster local economies, the NNF has trained 300 new Devil’s Claw harvesters and 297 new Manketti harvesters, collaborating with NILALEG and the EU-funded OKACOM project. While the value chain for Devil’s Claw is already established, there is ongoing work to develop the Manketti market. Additionally, the NNF is exploring the commercial potential of other botanical products.
Research on the Silver Cluster Leaf is underway, focusing on its anti-aging properties, with plans to ensure equitable profit-sharing through compliance with Namibia’s Access and Benefit Sharing legislation.

Looking ahead

The Sustainable Forestry program is committed to protecting Namibia’s forest resources while empowering local communities. By promoting sustainable practices and diversifying income sources, the initiative aims to build resilience and foster a deep appreciation for natural resources among community members. As Namibia moves forward, the NNF’s efforts highlight the importance of collaboration, community involvement, and sustainable management in safeguarding the country’s ecological wealth for future generations.