The National Forest Policy, 2002

This is the draft Forest Policy and as such is a working document and not a formal policy document. It should not be interpreted as the policy of the Government of Swaziland or the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives until it has been finally agreed and adopted.

2.3 Urban forestry

The importance of retaining green belts and open spaces as part of the urban and peri-urban environment is acknowledged in the Swaziland Environment Action Plan (SEAP). Forests are an important part of these green belts, which improve the quality of life. Urban forestry can enhance degraded urban environments, through trees and plants in private gardens, parks and other public places in cities and towns, as well as conserve valuable natural forests and woodlands in the peri-urban zone.

Urban forestry can provide a variety of economic, social and environmental benefits to all inhabitants. However, there is currently a lack of integrated planning, and local authorities in urban areas only have limited capacity to deal with the urban forestry issue and its implications.

2.3.1 Planning of forestry in urban and peri-urban zones

2.3.1.1 The functions and benefits of urban forestry

Trees and forests in urban and peri-urban environments, which include wattle forests, parks and natural riverine forests in aquatic environments, provide a range of benefits, such as:

Economic benefits from home consumption or sale of products such as timber, fuelwood, fruit, food, and other wood, non-wood and plant materials for a variety of purposes.
Social benefits such as the aesthetic value, improved health and well being, amenity, shade, shelter, and opportunities for recreation.
Environmental benefits such as improved micro-climate, noise reduction, better control of disposed waste water and the overall hydrological balance, and conservation of biodiversity and important habitats.

Issue

The importance and benefits of the economic, social and environmental functions of urban forestry are presently not sufficiently recognised.

The current situation shows a lack of initiatives to retain or develop areas of forest or open green space within urban and peri-urban environments.

Policy

Sustainable urban forests and other green areas, such as parks, sports areas, greenways and areas reserved for agricultural use, must be developed and retained as long as possible for the benefit of all, and incorporated in the overall urban functions.

There is a need to more precisely define open space and green areas, as there is a lack of definition of these terms used in the Urban Government Policy of 1996.

2.3.1.2 Green belts and special habitats as protected urban areas

Forests, wetlands, open spaces and other green areas representing special habitats are particularly vulnerable in urban environments.

Issue

There is presently not sufficient attention and interest to declare important natural habitats within the urban zone as protected areas.

The new Flora Protection Act of 2001 provides the necessary means to adequately protect important habitats.

Policy

Green belts, wetlands and other special habitats within the urban and peri-urban zone shall be declared as protected biodiversity conservation and recreation areas.

It is essential to identify important habitats in an early stage of peri-urban development, when the tenure system of most peri-urban land is still Swazi Nation Land (SNL). Once the land has been declared urban, the City Council should recommend protected urban areas. The Ministry responsible for housing and urban development has the authority to declare open spaces and protected areas as part of the urban zone, and transfer the management of these areas to local authorities. Practical applications with respect to protecting important habitats could include:

To create wildlife sanctuaries and parks for the protection of endangered flora and fauna.
To cultivate linear parks along all stream banks in urban areas, in consort with the stricter enforcement of the regulations of the Natural Resources Act of 1951, which freeze development for 100 feet, or about 30 metres, both sides of stream banks.
To protect national heritage sites.

2.3.1.3 Planning of urban and peri-urban green belts and forested areas

It is important to integrate healthy and environmentally sound forestry and agricultural activities into the planning of urban areas. The general strategic approach as proposed by the Swaziland Environment Action Plan (SEAP) is to ensure the formulation and strict enforcement of Structure Plans as stipulated by the Urban Government Policy of 1996, incorporating green belt, agricultural and recreational land as permanent features of urban areas.

Issue

There is currently a lack of co-ordinated planning for urban forestry, which would require integrated and holistic land use planning in an early stage of urban development in order to minimise conflict of interest amongst stakeholders.

Lack of co-ordinated planning also applies to the municipal services and parastatals. Some parastatals apply drastic tree cutting programmes to protect, maintain and expand their supply lines.

Policy

Urban forestry must be incorporated into urban development plans, to ensure implementation of structural plans incorporating green belts, agricultural and recreational land as well as permanent urban forest areas for the urban and peri-urban population.

There is a need to strengthen management capacities of local authorities to monitor green areas, inclusive of privatisation of some activities, and the education and co-operation of law enforcement organisations. Co-operation between relevant ministries and parastatals is required, following the provisions of the Urban Government Policy of 1996 and the recommendations of the draft Peri-urban Growth Policy of 1997.

2.3.1.4 Community participation in urban forestry planning

The current situation is that most people are unaware of the importance of urban forestry.

Issue

Participation of urban and peri-urban dwellers in the planning and management of urban trees and forests and other green areas is hardly existing.

Policy

The regulations of town and city planning, as well as those for peri-urban areas have to include community participation in the planning and implementation of urban forestry and other green zones.

To prepare for successful community participation in urban and peri-urban forestry planning, there is a need to set up educational programmes to promote the use and value of trees and other green areas and develop relevant strategies for planning and implementation. Community organisations, the corporate sector and individuals should co-operate with the local authorities and NGOs and participate in planning, implementation and maintenance of urban forests in order to:

encourage tree-planting programmes by schools, service clubs and other community organisations;
stimulate the development of urban forestry and provide free tree-planting information, e.g. recommended species, recommended distances from foundations, water mains, etc.;
encourage the formation of neighbourhood watch organisations in all urban areas, and such organisations to include adjoining green areas in their purview;
manage designated enclosed areas wherein local communities, particularly those on small plots, may practice urban agriculture and grow trees;
provide and maintain recreational facilities accessible to all, such as resting grounds, playgrounds, football pitches, and other sports courts.

2.3.2 Management of urban and peri-urban forestry

2.3.2.1 Control of trees and forests in urban land

Government controls and manages most land within the urban boundaries and makes unilateral decisions with respect to planning and use. Local authorities manage urban areas, but are currently not empowered to plan and implement initiatives such as development of parks and urban forestry.

Issue

There are presently many conflicts in urban land utilisation and development, in particular between economic and environmental interests.

These conflicts are primarily caused by lack of clarity of control and by different views and intentions by Government on one hand, and town and city councils on the other.

Policy

All parties in urban areas have to comply with existing legislation, which stipulate ownership rights and management responsibilities.

Such legislation includes the Swaziland Environment Authority Act of 1992 - in particular the Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations 2000 - and the Control of Tree Planting Act of 1972.

Applying the Regulations 2000, changes in land use may require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Apart from application of existing legislation, there is a need for improving working relationships between Government and local authorities in the planning and implementing of urban development, in particular urban forestry. The role of the Ministry responsible for forestry is essential in this regard.

2.3.2.2 Development of management capability and capacity

Management capability is a prerequisite for sustainable urban forestry development.

Issue

There is currently insufficient management capacity and capability to plan, manage and monitor urban forests and green areas.

Policy

Clear responsibilities and capabilities shall be established for the management of urban forests between relevant government ministries, urban and peri-urban authorities and other stakeholders.

There is a need to strengthen the management capacity of local urban and peri-urban authorities with respect to urban forestry. The Ministry responsible for forestry should provide technical advice and co-ordinate urban forestry activities and management amongst stakeholders.

This page was last updated on 25 November 2004