Forestry act amendment addresses operational challenges

By Martha Chikoti

The Department of Forestry says the amendment of the Forestry Act is a significant step towards strengthening forest management in Malawi.

Acting Director for the department in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Teddie Kamoto said the amendment aims to address operational challenges and clarify the roles of enforcement agencies.

“The Act has been amended to address operational challenges encountered in its enforcement” he said adding; “it will address some of the challenges that includes lack of appropriate regulation of the use of firearms by forest officers, inadequate enforcement of key provisions of the Act by the Department of Forestry due to among others inadequate personnel and omission of specific penalties for some offences under the Act”

Kamoto further shared that the amendment includes provisions for other enforcement agencies, such as the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, to work alongside forestry officers.

“This move is expected to enhance collaboration and effective enforcement of the law. Forestry officers will now be empowered to conduct investigations, in addition to their inspection roles.” added Kamoto

Kamoto emphasized that public awareness is crucial for effective enforcement of the law. To achieve this, the department plans to use various outreach methods, including the media, community engagements, NGOs, and traditional leaders. The department aims to ensure that the public is informed about the amendment and its implications.

“The department’s plan to engage with local communities in the implementation of the amendment is a step in the right direction. By involving communities in the process, the department can ensure that the law is effective and sustainable. Community engagement will also help to build trust and promote cooperation between the department and local communities.” added Kamoto

The Forest Act was enacted in 1997 and repealed the Forest Ordinance, 1942 following the policy shift from top down to bottom up approach in forest management and conservation.

The Act was first amended in 2017 to align it with the Customary Land Act, 2016. The Act was further amended in 2020 focusing mainly on increasing penalties, strengthening law enforcement, and allowing forest officers to use firearms Introducing provisions to regulate the production and sale of charcoal and roundwood.