Natural Resources Act 1951 (No. 71 of 1951).

The Act provides for the establishment of the Natural Resources Board, whose functions shall: (a) except in respect of Swazi areas to exercise supervision over natural resources; (b) to promote the conservation and improvement of natural resources; (c) to advice the Minister of Agriculture on the proper conservation, use and improvement of natural resources. The Minister may, on the recommendation of the board, set aside Government land or acquire land in areas other than the Swazi areas, for the conservation or improvement of natural resources. In default of an agreement between the Minister and the owner of the land, the Minister may expropriate such land on payment of a compensation determined by arbitration according to the provisions of the Property Act 1961. The Minister may also construct and maintain works upon any land for any of the following purposes: (a) the protection of the source, course or feeders of a public stream; (b) the disposal or control of storm water; (c) the mitigation or prevention of soil erosion; (d) the conservation of water. Further provisions concern: (a) apportionment of costs; and (b) creation of charge on land for cost of works. If the owners of land in any area wish on their own initiative to undertake the construction of works and other measures for the conservation or improvement of natural resources in such area, they may submit a petition to the Minister to declare such area to be an intensive conservation area. Said petition shall clearly describe the boundaries of the area and contain other particulars as may be prescribed by regulation. The owners of any land in an intensive conservation area shall appoint a conservation committee, which shall consist of a number of members as the Minister may fix, not exceeding five, and shall be elected in the prescribed manner. Functions of the conservation committee shall be: (a) to undertake the construction of works and other measures for soil and water conservation; (b) generally to cooperate with and assist the board in carrying out the objects and purposes of this Act. The conservation and improvement of natural resources in a Swazi area shall be regulated by section 10 of the Swazi Administration Act 1950.