Communities Urged to Care for Trees Planted in Salima
Environmental activists have lauded the initiative, citing the importance of reforestation and community involvement in addressing climate change and environmental degradation in Malawi.
SALIMA, Malawi— Communities in Salima district have been advised to take good care of trees planted during the recent tree planting season to combat climate change, writes Noel Kayiyatsa Bauleni.
Adam Jason, the acting director of natural resources and environment for Salima District Council, emphasized the need for strong collaboration between the council, communities and stakeholders like the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) in the fight against climate change in the district.
Jason's remarks came on Wednesday during a tree planting exercise conducted in the areas of Traditional Authorities Kalonga and Maganga, with support from the Promoting Equitable Access to Clean Energy in Malawi project.
"We need this cooperation to ensure the survival of the planted trees," Jason said, urging communities to take care of the new trees.
Julius Ngoma, the national coordinator for CISONECC, said the organization will continue planting trees with communities as part of efforts to mitigate climate change and promote alternative clean energy sources that don't harm the environment.
"As a project promoting equitable access to clean energy, we will be delighted to see the environment conserved in the districts where the project is being implemented - Salima, Lilongwe and Blantyre," Ngoma said.
Speaking on behalf of Traditional Authority Maganga, Group Village Headman Maganga said traditional leaders have set measures to ensure the planted trees are properly cared for.
The project supported the tree planting exercise by providing 40,000 tree seedlings and watering canes in the areas under Traditional Authorities Maganga and Kalonga.
The Promoting Equitable Access to Clean Energy in Malawi project is implemented with funding from the European Union through Oxfam, the Center for Environmental Policy Advocacy and CISONECC.
Environmental activists have lauded the initiative, citing the importance of reforestation and community involvement in addressing climate change and environmental degradation in Malawi.