Windhoek: The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism officially launched the Hamweyi, Kanovlei, and Zambezi State Forest reserves on Wednesday. The reserves were gazetted under the Forest Act of 2001 with support from the NILALEG project to strengthen forest governance and sustainable development.According to Namibia Press Agency, the ministry stated that the Hamweyi Reserve in Kavango West, Kanovlei in Otjozondjupa, and Zambezi in the Zambezi Region are aimed at protecting biodiversity, improving climate resilience, and promoting the sustainable use of forest resources while supporting local livelihoods. Zambezi Governor, Dorothy Kabula, welcomed the initiative but raised concerns over insufficient consultation with communities along the Liselo area, up to 110 kilometers west of the Katima Mulilo area under the Mafwe Traditional Authority.Kabula emphasized that residents depend on the land for grazing, water access, and subsistence farming, and are seeking clarity on relocation plans. She noted th at no consent letter had been confirmed from the traditional authority and called for the gazetting process in the affected area to be put on hold until full engagement has been conducted. "The traditional authority has no problem with the development, but communities are questioning where they will be relocated," she said, advocating for inclusive consultations before implementation continues.Despite these concerns, Kabula acknowledged the potential benefits of forest reserves, including employment creation and the sustainable harvesting of resources such as timber and devil's claw. Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo described the launch as a historic milestone, reflecting the government's commitment to environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.Sinimbo highlighted that the Hamweyi Reserve is a strategic national asset that will protect biodiversity while creating jobs, building skills, and supporting forest-based enterprises. She also mentioned regional programs like fruit tree planting aimed at strengthening food security and resilience. Christian Shingiro, deputy resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme, remarked that the launch marks a shift from policy to implementation following the 2022 gazetting of the reserves.Shingiro stated that the reserves are key ecological assets supporting climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and livelihoods. These efforts are being implemented through the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the government under the NILALEG project. He stressed that sustainable resource management must be inclusive, highlighting the importance of women's participation in environmental governance.