Malawi: Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve announced that they are witnessing a rise in wildlife crimes in Ntchisi. The stakeholders have expressed their sincere concern on the situation that they are seeing in the community.
The officials have shared that it is important for the people of the community to refrain from using the forest areas inethically. Community Development Manager for Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Timothy Maseko Chana was addressing a sensitization campaign when he made these remarks.
The campaign was hosted on Friday at the Muuta Primary School Ground in the area of Senior Chief Nthondo in the district. The Community Development Manager for Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve said he was disappointed.
The government has been working on implementing several interventions to protect forest areas, However, he situation still remains worrisome despite the efforts of the administration. On of the biggest causes of concern is the practice of illegal charcoal burning.
The administration found 44 sites in the game reserve of which 36 are from Ntchisi district. The sites in the Ntchisi District represents approximately 81 percent of the sites. The administration confirmed that the district is at the top when it comes to wildlife crimes.
The comparisons were drawn with Kasungu and Nkhotakota district. The organization is conducting meetings to educate community members, which they believe should help the situation.
Second Grade Magistrate Frederick Malovu asked the community to not participate in illegal activities, The communities are more often responsible for law breaking. The official confirmed that the administration is ready to punish the illegal activities.
This has been done to prevent further illegal activities within the community. The officials have shared that Senior Chief Nthondo has also shared his views on the situation. According to him 500 hectares of Nkhotakota game reserve in the district have been destroyed bt illegal charcoal burning.
He promised that he will meet the members of the community and spread awareness about the issue. He said that he will work with several local authorities to combat the situation.