‘Queimadas’ – Uncontrolled fires destroy vast areas of forest in southern Mozambique

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‘Queimadas’ – Uncontrolled fires destroy vast areas of forest in southern Mozambique

1:08 CAT | 06 Jun 2017

The province of Inhambane in southern Mozambique is losing about 900 square kilometres of forest to poaching, charcoal production and logging annually, according to Inhambane provincial forest and wildlife delegate Imede Falume.

The number one cause is “man, with 90 percent” responsibility, with “itinerant agriculture, charcoal production and to scare animals away” the main reasons. People “make a ‘queimada’ [fire] and this spreads to large areas,” Falume explains.

Bildergalerie Kohletransporteure und Kohleproduktion in Mosambik — With deforestation, the production of wood and furniture decreases.

Furniture dealer Pedola Pedro says the reduction of forest area affects the supply of wood.

The shortage of raw materials pushes prices up. “Costs are high, so customers cannot afford our furniture either. If they stopped the uncontrolled fires, maybe in the coming years we could get wood and prices would return to normal.”

Authorities promise action

The authorities promise to bring those responsible to book. Inhambane community leader Rodrigue Forquisso says anyone found burning forest without good reason will be brought to justice.

“If we catch a person doing this and if it’s serious, we take them to the police,” he says. The problem must be solved “through the courts”, he adds.

Mosambik Niassa Kiefernwald Waldbrand, Rauch — Man is the main cause of forest destruction in Inhambane

Maxixe resident José Sinequinha points the finger at the authorities. “One of the biggest problems is that the government itself does not promote replanting. The government, as the largest economic agent, should buy timber from national loggers and produce [school] desks. This would boost the national economy.”

But authorities say they are working to combat deforestation in Inhambane.

“We are using various means. We are talking about it on community radio where the awareness component is evident, and forming management committees to link through to communities,” Falume says.

Source: Deutsche Welle