New regulations for charcoal production
Elvira HattinghFirebreaks along farm borders with a width of 15 meters as well as written permission from neighbours. These are some of the latest requirements for charcoal producers that the directorate of forestry announced last week.
In a letter, the director of forestry, Johnson Ndokosho, said that large parts of the country have received above-average rainfall and Namibia is now entering the dry fire season.
The fire season officially starts on 1 May.
“It is therefore necessary to announce strict measures for the charcoal industry in good time,” he added.
He says permits for harvesting of timber will only be issued after the directorate has been able to determine whether the necessary requirements are being met.
According to the regulations, a charcoal producer must now inform his neighbours of his activities and gain their written permission before charcoal production can start. A firebreak of 15 m wide must also be maintained along main boundary fences.
Furthermore, the same rules apply as before, namely that 15 m around kilns must be cleared, kilns must be grouped together, loggers must be trained in fire fighting, and fire fighting equipment must be available at all times in areas where charcoal is made.
Burning kilns must be well maintained and no trees with a diameter of more than 18 cm may be harvested.
Meanwhile, charcoal producers have expressed concern that 15 metre firebreak, saying it is not realistic. This has changed from last year, when the regulation only required “a clean strip free of bush”.
Ndokosho expressed his gratitude to the majority of charcoal producers who strictly adhere to the regulations. - [email protected]