Our existence entirely depends on trees — Chief Gija
IN a recent epiculture and forestry workshop held yesterday, the Manzini Regional Administrator, Chief Gija, delivered a poignant message regarding the critical importance of trees and the dangers of forest fires.
Chief Gija highlighted the devastating consequences of burning forests, emphasizing that such actions are not only suicidal but also irresponsible, considering the crucial role that trees play in sustaining human life.
During his address at the workshop where the Ministry of Agriculture’s Principal Secretary, Sydney Simelane was present, Chief Gija underscored the interdependence between human beings and trees, noting that trees provide essential resources such as oxygen, food, and shelter. He expressed grave concern over the increasing frequency of forest fires and called for urgent collective action to prevent further destruction of natural habitats.
“While we were still young we didn’t entirely understand the importance of having trees around us as it was easy for us to just burn them down. Our lives are solely depended to trees as in them we get unfiltered oxygen which is important to our health being,” Chief Gija said.
Chief Gija’s impassioned plea for environmental conservation resonated strongly with workshop participants, who were urged to take proactive measures to protect and preserve forests. The Regional Administrator emphasized the need for sustainable land management practices and community engagement to safeguard the rich biodiversity of the region.
As communities grapple with the escalating threat of climate change and deforestation, Chief Gija’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of our natural ecosystems and the urgent need for responsible stewardship of the environment. The workshop concluded with a collective commitment to work together towards a greener and healthier future for Manzini region.
In light of Chief Gija’s powerful advocacy for forest conservation and sustainable practices, the call-to-action echoes far beyond the workshop walls, challenging individuals and communities to reevaluate their relationship with nature and embrace a harmonious coexistence with the
environment.
. . . matches sales need to be regulated to scale down fires in Eswatini
The Manzini Regional Administrator, Dlamini, has highlighted the government’s responsibility to regulate the selling of matches in order to tackle the growing issue of bulk fires in Eswatini. In a recent statement, Dlamini emphasized the urgent need for intervention, attributing the escalating fires to unchecked use of matches in the region.
According to Dlamini, the uncontrolled sale and usage of matches have not only led to rampant fires but have also posed a grave threat to the local environment. Trees and animals, crucial components of Eswatini’s diverse ecosystem, have been significantly impacted, pushing them towards the brink of endangerment.
RA Dlamini proposed measures to regulate match sales aim to bring about a sense of control and oversight in order to prevent further devastation caused by wildfires.
“By implementing these regulation we hope to safeguard both the environment and the livelihoods of those residing in the affected areas. As the issue of bulk fires continues to pose a serious challenge in Eswatini, the call for collective action and responsible behavior remains paramount. It is imperative for all stakeholders, from government bodies to individual citizens, to work together towards a sustainable solution that ensures the protection of the country’s natural resources for future generations,” the RA pointed out.
This development underscores the pressing need for proactive steps to address environmental concerns and mitigate the detrimental impact of human activities on the delicate balance of nature in Eswatini. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.
‘Forests saved many lives during the Covid-19 pandemic with their unfiltered Oxygen’
In a remarkable turn of events amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, reports have surfaced in Eswatini of individuals seeking solace in the depths of the forest and finding healing through unfiltered oxygen. The accounts of people venturing into nature and emerging from the woods free from the grips of the disease have sparked a newfound appreciation for the healing powers of the natural world.
Manzini Regional Administrator has echoed these sentiments, urging emaSwati to cherish and protect the forests as a source of unfiltered oxygen that may hold potential benefits for health and well-being. In a plea to the community, the Administrator emphasized the importance of refraining from actions that harm the natural
environment, highlighting the interconnectedness between the health of the forests and the vitality of the people.
The anecdotal evidence of individuals experiencing relief from Covid-19 symptoms after immersing themselves in the forest underscores the profound connection between human health and the environment.
“As the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic, the notion of nature as a sanctuary and a healer has gained renewed significance, shedding light on the therapeutic value of green spaces and fresh air. While scientific research is ongoing to fully understand the extent of nature’s healing properties, the testimonies of those who have found comfort and healing in the arms of the forest serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving natural habitats. The call to conserve forests not only resonates as a means of protecting biodiversity but also as a safeguard for the health and well-being of communities,” Chief Gija pointed out.
Moreover, the RA stated that as Eswatini navigates the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the embrace of nature as a source of healing and rejuvenation offers a beacon of hope amidst uncertain times. He pointed out that with the guidance of regional authorities and the collective commitment of the people, the conservation of forests stands as a vital step towards nurturing a symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural world.