Threats to Forests

Understanding the Challenges

Understanding and addressing the various threats facing Zimbabwe’s forest ecosystems is crucial for effective conservation and sustainable management.

Let’s Protect our Forests — Prevent Fires!

Every Zimbabwean has a role
01

Fire Can Destroy

  • Forests, pastures, homes, fields and livestock
  • Fire kills people
02

Fire Prevention

  • Prepare fireguards early (March to June)
  • Fireguards must be more than 9 metres wide
  • Create fireguards by ploughing, harrowing or early-burning
  • Use fireguards to protect fields, pastures, homes and forests
03

Fire Fighting

  • Form fire-fighting teams in your community
  • Establish fire alert systems (drums, whistles, bells)
  • Use tree branches, fire beaters, shovels, water bowsers, fire tanks
Report Fires To

Who to call when fire breaks out

If you see smoke or flames near a forest, field, settlement or grazing area — report immediately to any of the following.

Community Leadership

Your village head, councillor or local headman.

Forestry Commission

Your nearest provincial or district office.

Zimbabwe Republic Police

Dial your nearest ZRP station.

EMA

Environmental Management Agency — provincial offices nationwide.

Daily Awareness

Fire Danger Rating

The rating changes daily based on weather, humidity and vegetation. Always check before lighting any fire.

Low Safe to start a fire
Moderate Start with caution
High No open fires allowed
No open fires between 31 July and 31 October