The proposed law provides an institutional and regulatory framework for sustainable management of forest and range resources. It will see the government collecting revenue for harvesting forest and range resources. There will be by-laws designed for collecting fees or royalties in respect of such produce. Commercial harvesters will be required to get licences for the felling, harvesting and collection of produce and resources in forests.
However gathering forest resources for subsistence purposes will not require a licence but such activities will be limited, according to the bill. Government will appoint law enforcement officers to guard the forest reserves to ensure there is no illegal harvesting of resources. Anyone caught harvesting forest resources illegally will be liable to a prison term of five years, P10,000 fine or both. The new law will empower forest officers to search people without warrant. It will allow government to declare certain places as forest reserves, protected areas, forest management areas, depending on the value and quality of natural resources found there-in.
For centuries the Mophane worm has been a reliable source of livelihood especially for the Batswapong, Babirwa and some Bakalanga, not so much as relish, but as a commercial item, gathered and sold mostly to Boers. The worm is sold in major towns.
The Boers traditionally journey to different Phane producing areas in Botswana to buy the worm for their cattle. In some instances, enterprising South African Boers can the worm and sell it in shops. The worm is collected or gathered before Christmas, after New Year, and in March. In the traditionally poor areas, Phane harvesting attracts primary school children, as it provides everyone in the community with the opportunity to make money.
Some popular forest resources in Botswana include mogwana wild berries, sour berries, motsotsojane, mupudu, mmilo, which are often sold in towns while marula fruits make the delicacy, Morula traditional brew. Others are grass to make traditional brooms, sand, soils for homestead decorations and firewood. All these are sold to make money.
