Malawi: Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of Rumphi has urged communities in the district to intensify their efforts in protecting forests. This will help the communities to ensure the sustainability of natural resources in the district.
The government of Malawi has been dedicated to protect the environment. The environment protection has been a significant and major mandate in the development goals of the nation
Chikulamayembe who is also Malawi 2063 Natural Resources Conservation Champion made these remarks on Monday. He was at the time addressing a meeting in Bolero during the signing ceremony of forest management plans.
The plans fall under the Market Transition to Enable New Growth and Opportunities (Mtengo) Project. The plans which were developed by Kango Forest Reserve and Kafinyengo Forest Reserve in with support from District Forestry Office will among others promote tree planting.
They also comprise forest protection by-laws with stiff penalties that have been prescribed against those who break the agreed laws. The leaders of the organization have shared that this mandate needs the support of all the members of the community.
He also highlighted that it is the duty of the community to preserve the nature as they support several activities
He said people depend on nature for many things such as water, energy and others thereby putting too much pressure on natural resources, hence the need for them to implement the plans for effective forests conservation.
District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu said trees play an important role in sustaining water sources.
“If we destroy our forests, we will all suffer and the vice can also affect rain patterns which can lead to food insecurity, hence the need to protect our forests,” said Bulukutu.
The chairperson for Kango Forest Reserve, Gomezgani Chavula said the plans will bring sanity to forestry management at the community level.
The projects objectives, among others include promoting sustainable and scalable climate smart practices and technologies for improved food security. The initiative is implemented through Total Landcare and Winrock International with funding from United States Department of Agriculture.