Chakwera to lead national tree planting
The theme is "Forest Innovation in Action: Reforestation for a Sustainable Tomorrow."
BLANTYRE, Malawi- President Lazarus Chakwera is set to spearhead a national tree-planting exercise in Phalombe at Mpasa Hill on Thursday, demonstrating his commitment to reforestation, writes Alinafe Nyanda.
"It's time now people need to start owning the season to protect our environment," said Tangu Isabel Tumeo, principal forestry officer, in an interview Wednesday.
This year the government aims to rehabilitate 4.4 million hectares of forest and plantations, nearly half the country's land area. Tumeo encouraged public participation, saying reforestation is "not a responsibility of government and stakeholders alone."
The renewed efforts reflect Malawi's commitment to achieving the U.N. recommended minimum 10% forest cover per district.
Tumeo urged media to help spread the message to prevent deforestation as the government plans to plant 34 million trees this season.
The restoration initiative is part of Malawi's pledge to the 2011 Bonn Challenge, calling for 350 million hectares of degraded land restored globally by 2030.
The National Forestry Season from Dec. 15 to April 15 will improve water access, protect ecosystems and generate public benefits for years.
The theme is "Forest Innovation in Action: Reforestation for a Sustainable Tomorrow."