Communities in Salima Urged to Take Ownership of Environmental Protection
This collective effort aims to preserve the natural environment in the country.
SALIMA, Malawi — Communities residing within Traditional Authority Khombedza in Salima have received a call to action, urging them to take ownership of their environment by holding accountable those who engage in indiscriminate tree cutting and mineral extraction within their areas, writes Alinafe Nyanda.
This collective effort aims to preserve the natural environment in the country.
Enock Phale, the Member of Parliament for Salima North-West, identified a lack of community interest and ownership as a significant contributing factor to environmental degradation.
He emphasized the critical need for community involvement in environmental protection.
Phale stressed the importance of building the capacity of these communities and deepening their understanding of sustainable environmental protection and the responsible management of natural resources.
This, he believes, will bridge the gap between good and harmful environmental practices.
"I firmly believe that enhancing the capacity of communities, such as those here in the Salima North-West constituency, will empower them to hold decision-makers accountable for their responsibility in protecting the environment," Phale stated.
He consistently encourages the residents of his constituency to assume responsibility for safeguarding the environment and to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in preserving their natural heritage.
This collective effort aims to combat the high rate of environmental degradation that has been occurring.
Senior Chief of Traditional Authority Khombedza echoed Phale's sentiments, expressing concern that individuals from other regions exploit their resources, such as cutting down trees, to profit at the expense of the local communities.
The detrimental effects of environmental degradation are well-documented, leading to preventable health issues for many residents.
This, in turn, increases the government's expenditure on healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Therefore, the call for inclusive efforts to preserve the environment is seen as a necessary step toward ensuring a sustainable and healthier future. 🌿🌍 #EnvironmentalProtection #CommunityOwnership 🇲🇼