The delay in issuing licenses is generating a wave of dissatisfaction among forestry operators in Niassa province, leading them to default on their reforestation, social responsibility, and other obligations.

The operators say that, having submitted the requirements for the issuance of licenses "in the months of January and February, according to the regulations", they only received them between September and October.

"The delay compromises the fulfillment of our obligations, since it shortens the period for exercising our activity," they said.

Euclitos Matonse, a forestry operator from Marrupa, said that due to the alleged delay in issuing forest resource exploitation licenses, his performance shows low indicators that interfere with the expected financial return.

The lamentation was presented a few days ago during the meeting with the secretary of State in the province, Dinis Vilanculo, with the objective of being informed about the concerns that this class has in the exercise of their activities.

On the occasion, the operators were concerned about uncontrolled burning and deforestation caused by poachers, since these practices threaten the existence of wildlife and forest species.

Carlos Messias, a forestry operator in the Mecanhelas district, pointed out the lack of a local market to sell his products as the main challenge of the class, which compromises the fulfillment of his social obligations, among them the creation of more jobs, especially for local young people.

He added that the timber market in neighboring provinces is better, however, the transaction costs charged by the Tax Authority are considered high, a fact that contributes to giving up on doing business.

The natural resources inspectors alone are not able to fight uncontrolled burning, poaching, deforestation, among other evils whose combat necessarily requires everyone's involvement, according to Dinis Vilanculo, Secretary of State in Niassa.

"The market for forest products is free and it is up to each of you to seek out the buyers who offer the best price for the assurance of the sustainability of your business," he stressed.