217 Fire Protection Associations Registered to Manage Uncontrolled Fires

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, announced this initiative while addressing the closing of the 2024 Arbor Month Campaign.

In a proactive effort to manage uncontrolled fires across the country, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has successfully registered 217 Fire Protection Associations (FPAs). Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, announced this initiative while addressing the closing of the 2024 Arbor Month Campaign.

"The department is empowered by the National Veld and Forest Fires Act, 1998 (NVFFA) to prevent and combat veld, forest, and mountain fires throughout the Republic. This act provides for various institutions, methods, and practices to achieve these objectives," Swarts explained. She emphasized that uncontrolled veld and forest fires pose significant threats to natural vegetation, property, and lives, particularly in areas rated as extremely high veld risk due to extensive woodland coverage.

"Every year, uncontrolled fires result in the loss of lives and cause millions in damages to property, livestock, the environment, and the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas," Swarts noted.

Aligning FPAs with Municipal Boundaries

To enhance the effectiveness of FPAs, the DFFE is currently aligning these associations with municipal boundaries, promoting better resource use and increased participation from previously disadvantaged communities. The department supports FPAs financially through the Working on Fire Programme and is in the process of transferring vehicles to district municipalities for FPA use, ensuring that specific requirements are met.

"To maintain functionality, FPAs are responsible for developing and applying a veld fire management strategy, identifying natural conditions that can lead to fires, and regularly communicating fire danger ratings within designated areas," the Deputy Minister added.

Forestry Sector MasterplanIn addition to fire management, the government has developed the Forestry Sector Masterplan, aimed at fostering growth, transformation, and investment in the sector. A key component of this master plan is the New Afforestation Programme, which focuses on establishing new plantations on previously undisturbed land.

"Establishing plantations requires a license as per the National Water Act, 1998, National Environmental Management Act, 1998, and Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983. This process includes addressing water availability, conducting costly Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and considering soil conservation issues," Swarts stated.

The DFFE previously assessed afforestation potential, finding opportunities for 100,000 hectares in the Eastern Cape and 39,000 hectares in KwaZulu-Natal, excluding the Western Cape. To facilitate this, the department is streamlining the afforestation licensing process by funding EIA studies for communities, reducing delays and supporting licensing efforts.

Currently, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has a 90-day turnaround time for issuing licenses, with 44,000 hectares worth of licenses in the pipeline for EIAs. The department is finalizing appointments of Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) to conduct these studies.

Investment and Community Engagement

The Forestry Sector Masterplan has set a minimum investment target of R16.5 billion and a maximum of R30 billion for the 2025/26 financial year. Presently, private sector investments have reached R33.2 billion, surpassing the target.

Bringing the department-managed plantations back into production is a priority. Approximately 6,213.58 hectares have been transferred to communities through the Community Forestry Agreement Model, with 27 plantations now under community management via 23 Community Forestry Agreements.

Plans are underway to continue this transfer process, including leasing remaining plantations in the Western Cape. The Deputy Minister highlighted the importance of industry collaboration with the DFFE to provide post-settlement support to communities to ensure their success within the forestry sector.

"The successful transfer of these plantations is crucial for empowering communities, and we are committed to supporting them as they thrive in this sector," Swarts concluded.