Forest conservation and the role of traditional leaders

Abstract

Abstract provided by author

Efforts for the protection of biological diversity, the conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources are visible both on the international and national levels. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is one example of efforts by the international community to protect biological diversity. Namibia is a signatory to this Convention, thus she has the obligation to implement it. The Convention requires member countries to develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity or adapt for this purpose strategies; plans or programmes already in existence (Article 6 (a) of the Convention).This can be done through legislation and policy. Article 95 (1) of the Namibian Constitution is a policy provision which requires the Namibian government to put measures in place to "the maintenance of ecosystems, ecological processes and biological diversity of Namibia and utilization of living natural resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibians, both present and future". One such policy framework is the government programme of Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM). This is aimed at achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

In order to achieve the MDGs and to comply with the CBD, the Namibian legislature enacted theForest Act, Act 12 of 2001, which makes provision for the establishment of Community Forests managed and owned by the local communities. This initiative is meant to benefit the local people and inevitably achieve biodiversity protection and sustainable utilization and conservation of natural resources. Community forestry is an initiative meant to achieve these goals. The involvement of the local communities is of utmost importance because these are the consumers of the resources and therefore their knowledge and effort is necessary. This paper is a product of research conducted on the Bukalo Community Forest in the Caprivi Region. It looks at the role of the community, especially the Traditional Authority in the establishment and management of the Forest, thus their contribution to the attainment of biodiversity protection, conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources.