SUSTAINABILITY OF THE COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION AND MANGEMENT OF THE CHORE FOREST RESERVES IN BOTSWANA

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper reviews and assesses the sustainability of the management and commercial exploitation of the Chobe Forest Reserves in Botswana. The inefficient way in which timber was harvested combined with low timber royalties, lead led to the ‘mining’ of the valuable timber species; B. plurijuga and P. angolensis. This scenario was worsened exacerbated by the damage of to trees by elephants and the uncontrolled fire damages fires. The high substantial short-term economic benefits associated with the from logging were likely to be unsustainable in the long-term due to environmental degradation. Logging was also associated with limited social benefits due to low employment opportunities and value added to the district. The above problems prompted the Government to halt the logging activities in 1994. A review of the forest policy is on-going, and The fForestry policy is currently being reviewed. Once it is completed, it will provide a the framework of the to review of the Forest Act of 1968. The royalty structure has been changed in order to charge prices that to reflect the scarcity value of timber. These recent developments are supported as they may contribute significantly to the management of the forest reserves. There is need to conserve the forests and to exploit them in a sustainable way. In addition, options for alternative land-use systems which are commensurate with the ideals of sustainable development should be considered. The forest resources need to be conserved since they are natural habitats and sanctuaries to the diverse fauna and flora.