University of Eswatini Collaborates with Local Communities for Pepper bark tree (Sibhaha) Conservation in Ngudzeni Inkhundla

Kwaluseni, Eswatini – 23 July 2024 – The Indigenous Climate Observatories (ICO) project, which is a collaborative project between the University of Eswatini and Malmö University in Sweden, recently conducted a successful outreach programme in the Ngudzeni Inkhundla, focusing on the conservation of the endangered Sibhaha (Pepper bark) tree.

The outreach, which took place from Wednesday to Friday, July 17-19, 2024, focused on three locations within the Ngudzeni Inkhundla: Nkonjwa, Mahhoshe, and Nokwane. The initiative aimed to:

  • Educate residents on the value of the Sibhaha tree: The outreach programme highlighted the significance of the Sibhaha tree, particularly its medicinal properties and cultural value.
  • Raise awareness about the threat of extinction of the tree: The project highlighted the critical situation of the Sibhaha tree in natural forests due to over-exploitation. Uncontrolled cutting and debarking, of even young trees, threaten the future availability of this valuable resource.
  • Promote sustainable practices: The ICO team shared techniques for propagating and planting Sibhaha trees. Each community received a seedling of the tree which was produced at the Eswatini Institute for Research in Traditional Medicine, Medicinal Plants and Indigenous Food Plants (EIRMIP) Research farm in Mafutseni.

A Collaborative Effort

This initiative was spearheaded by the University of Eswatini, EIRMIP, with the support of Malmö University (Sweden) represented by Dr. Lizette Reitsma. Local partners included the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC), MTEA Department of Forestry, and the Royal Eswatini Police Services (REPS).

Dr. Gugu Sibandze, Director of EIRMIP, emphasized the project’s long-term vision which is to conserve and promote sustainable use of indigenous plants. She said “EIRMIP began mapping the distribution of sibhaha populations in the country in 2012. Recent revisits have revealed a drastic decline, with many previously identified trees now gone. This calls for urgent action.”

Protecting a National Treasure

The project underscored the importance of existing legislation, such as the Flora Protection Act of 2000 and the Environment Management Act No.5 of 2002, which prohibits the harvest without permit, sale and export of indigenous plant genetic resources. The need for regulatory bodies to collaborate with communities in preventing overexploitation was also stressed.

The outreach program further promoted responsible environmental practices, including proper waste disposal and the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations. Residents were also informed about new environmental laws aimed at nature conservation and protecting the environment while promoting sustainable development.

The University of Eswatini and its partners remain committed to collaborate with communities and stakeholders to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of Eswatini’s precious natural resources.