Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Launches National Veld and Forest Fire Working Group
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Launches National Veld and Forest Fire Working Group
13 May 2016
published by www.eurekalert.org
South Africa — The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to launch the National Veld and Forest Fire Working Group
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) will launch the National Veld and Forest Fire Working Group as the winter season begins in the month of May.
According to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Fire Management, veld fires burn a significant number of hectares globally each year and the majority happens in Africa. The current state of the drought in the country could trigger an above normal fire season and has a potential risk to cause a disaster. This forecast is likely to have dire consequences to farmers and landowners in general.
The launch will provide Minister Senzeni Zokwana an opportunity to outline key messages and responsibilities for farmers and landowners to prepare for the fire season. He will outline the impact of the current drought factor and the legal obligations of the government, state-owned entities and the early warning of the National Fire Danger Rating System. The terms of reference for the Working Group will also be presented.
