TRADITIONAL leaders in Gutu district have warned people to desist from engaging in deforestation land degradation practices, saying stiff penalties will meted out on those caught as part of efforts curb such activities in bid to preserve the environment.
Chief Lawrence Chigariro, widely known as Chief Gutu, complained about the destruction of the environment.
“We will not sit back and watch while our land is destroyed. Anyone found starting fires or cutting down trees without permission will be made to pay. As leaders, we must protect the environment for the benefit of future generations,” Chief Chigariro said.
He said environmental destruction was leading to severe food insecurity, water shortage and soil infertility, threatening the livelihoods of entire communities.
Chief Serima and Chief Chiwara also expressed commitment to enforcing environmental protection rules to curb harmful practices that accelerate land degradation.
Gutu district forestry extension officer Adam Nyanguwo, said traditional leaders were crucial in the fight against deforestation and land degradation.
“Without their support, our message on environmental protection will not reach everyone. We welcome the action being taken by chiefs like Chief Chigariro to ensure that offenders are punished,” said Nyanguwo.
The Environmental Management Agency recently reported that thousands of hectares of land are lost each year to veld fires in Masvingo, threatening biodiversity, water sources and agricultural production.
- Gutu chiefs take tough stance against deforestation
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Nyanguwo urged community members to stop cutting indigenous trees and burning grass, adding that the cumulative effect of such practices worsened climate change impacts such as drought and flooding.
