The Zambia National Association of Sawmillers has warned of a threat to Zambia’s native trees and high levels of deforestation caused by the persistent pinewood shortage.
Last year, the Zambia Forests and Forestry Industries Corporation -ZAFFICO- announced a significant decrease in pine wood stocks of approximately 62 percent from over 3.37 million cubic metres in 2016 to just over 1.28 million in 2022, potentially threatening the 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in the timber industry.
Association Secretary General Derrick Chilatu has charged that in addition to jobs and businesses, there exists another threat to native trees like the Mupundu and Muchenje trees due to lack of pinewood.
Mr. Chilatu fears that some timber traders would use these trees as a substitute for pinewood and is concerned that they will not be replanted, leading to deforestation.
PHOENIX NEWS