Africa-Press – Botswana. The Forest and Range Resources Bill of 2025 tabled by Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi has sparked debate about wildfire management, forest preservation and the rights of indigenous communities.
Debating the Bill in Parliament on Thursday, Kgatleng Central MP, Mr Mpho Morolong emphasised the need for public education on wildfire extinguishing, describing the current approach of deploying untrained civilians as dangerous.
Mr Morolong called for a formalised firefighting service, including the use of helicopters, to combat the frequent veld fires that plague Botswana each year.
“These fires are not only destroying grazing fields and wildlife habitats but also killing domestic animals,” he said. Mr Morolong also urged the government to compensate farmers whose livestock has been lost to wildfires.
He also raised a concern over the invasive Mogale tree, which he claimed was lethal to cattle and lacked any significant benefit to the country. While expressing support for the Bill, MP Morolong urged authorities to take action against such harmful vegetation.
Okavango West MP, Mr Kenny Kapinga described forests as the lungs of the earth and called for their protection, particularly in areas populated by indigenous communities.
Mr Kapinga noted that those communities must not be overlooked in the development and management of forest resources.He also cited the lack of firebreaks and resource constraints as major threats to forest sustainability.
“There used to be clear firebreaks, but due to lack of maintenance, grass has overgrown and made them ineffective,” he said.He stressed the need to restore the firebreaks and invest in trained firefighting personnel.
On deforestation, Mr Kapinga lamented the disappearance of native trees due to unchecked fires and called for a nationwide tree-planting initiative. “Tree preservation should not burden indigenous communities but benefit them,” he added.
Shashe West MP, Mr Jeremiah Frenzel endorsed the Bill, highlighting the ecological and economic value of trees such as the Mophane. “In my constituency, mophane trees are like diamonds, people rely on them for food and firewood. There are other important medicinal trees that need to be protected,” he said.
Mr Frenzel also called for better wildfire management, particularly through the renewal and maintenance of firebreaks. Maun West MP, Mr Caterpillar Hikuama also supported the Bill and emphasised the importance of controlled burns and firefighter training. “Preservation of forests is key, but it must be done with knowledge and care,” he said.
Meanwhile, MP for Shoshong, Mr Moneedi Bagaisamang advocated for fair compensation to community members who volunteer in wildfire control efforts.
“Government employees are paid overtime to fight these fires, yet community members risk their lives for free,” he said, calling for financial support to local volunteers.
Before the Forest and Range Resources Bill proceeded to the Committee Stage still on Thursday, Minister Mmolotsi reiterated the government’s commitment to opening forest reserves in ways that allowed economic participation for surrounding communities. “Forests are not just to be protected, they are a sustainable resource that should benefit the people,” he said.
Mr Mmolotsi emphasised that forests provided a natural buffer between residential areas and the wild and must be preserved and managed inclusively.
Source: DAILRNEWS
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