Staff Reporter
Traditional leaders in Gutu District have vowed to take a firm stand against deforestation, land degradation and veld fires, warning that individuals caught engaging in such destructive practices will face stiff penalties as part of efforts to protect the environment.
Speaking in an interview with this publication, Chief Chief Gutu (Lawrence Chigariro) said traditional leaders have a duty to ensure that those who start veld fires, cut trees carelessly or engage in streambank cultivation are held accountable.
“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. Tiri kuvaripisa vanhu ava, because they are causing hunger, poor harvests and loss of grazing pastures. As leaders, we must protect the environment for the benefit of future generations,” said Chief Chigariro.
He warned that continued environmental destruction would lead to more severe food insecurity, water shortages and soil infertility, threatening the livelihoods of entire communities.
Other traditional leaders, including Chief Serima and Chief Chiwara, also expressed their commitment to enforcing environmental protection rules in their areas to curb harmful practices that accelerate land degradation.
Gutu District Forestry Extension Officer, AdamNyanguwo, speaking in an interview with this publication, applauded the firm stance taken by the traditional leaders, saying their involvement is key in changing harmful behaviours at community level.
“Traditional leaders are crucial in the fight against deforestation and land degradation because they command respect in their communities. 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.
Nyanguwo said the Forestry Commission is continuing to engage local leaders and communities on sustainable land use practices, warning that the province risks severe ecological damage if veld fires and deforestation are not curbed.
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) recently reported that thousands of hectares of land are lost each year to veld fires in Masvingo Province, threatening biodiversity, water sources and agricultural production.
Nyanguwo urged community members to stop cutting indigenous tree species and avoid burning grasslands, adding that the cumulative effect of these practices worsens climate change impacts such as drought and flooding.
Environmental experts have also praised the proactive role played by traditional leaders, saying that their authority and influence are essential in ensuring that conservation efforts succeed at the grassroots level.
