In a press statement delivered in Bulawayo, the Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni, officiated the commencement of the National Fire Awareness Week.
The event was attended by notable figures including the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Honourable Judith Ncube, and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Matabeleland North, Honourable R. Moyo, among others.
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Highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Prevent Veld Fires – Protect the Environment and Livelihoods,’ Minister Nyoni underscored the critical connection between sustainable food systems and veld fire management.
She emphasized the devastating impact of veld fires on agriculture, leading to the destruction of crops, pastures, equipment, and consequent food shortages, financial losses, and job insecurity.
These repercussions, she noted, adversely affect the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and food security.
Referring to Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007 on Environmental Impact Assessment and Ecosystems Protection Regulations, Minister Nyoni outlined the defined fire season from July 31st to October 31st each year.
However, after extensive consultations and consideration of climate change effects, the 2024 Veldfire restriction period has been extended from July 1st to November 30th, 2024, to address heightened vulnerability during this period.
Identifying provinces and districts highly exposed to veld fires, Minister Nyoni singled out Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, and Manicaland, with districts like Nyanga, Mutasa, and Mutare being at extreme risk.
The minister set a national target of reducing the area burnt by veld fires to 700,000 hectares in 2024, aiming to mitigate the adverse effects witnessed in the previous year.
Minister Nyoni urged the media to disseminate anti-veld fire information widely, emphasizing the role of the education sector in cascading this vital information to learners. She called upon all stakeholders to collaborate in minimizing losses to veld fires and maintaining a zero-tolerance approach in 2024.
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In closing, Minister Nyoni announced the national-level launch of the campaign to be held in Ward 21 of Shamva District, Mashonaland Central Province, marking the beginning of concerted efforts to safeguard the environment and livelihoods from the ravages of veld fires.
