Settlers decimate Manicaland forests

CHIMANIMANI — this semi-tropical region of Zimbabwe — which has large tracts of beautiful, evergreen landscapes — has some of the country’s biggest commercial timber plantations that sit perfectly on its mountainous terrain and blend well with the flora and fauna of all types, and the free-flowing rivers and streams.

From this beauty, Zimbabwe gets 3 to 4% gross domestic product, and over 10 000 jobs.

According to the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe (FCZ), “the commercial timber industry is one of the major pillars of the economy as it provides direct employment for over 10 000 people and downstream industries employing over 20 000 people”.

This story is for NewsDay subscribers.