Forestry Department, media, stakeholders unite against deforestation
The Forestry Department in Malawi introduces stronger penalties to fight deforestation, while the Anti-Corruption Bureau enforces laws and conducts civic education.
SALIMA, MALAWI — The Deputy Director of the Forestry Department, Teddie Kamoto, commended the media for their efforts in combating deforestation and called on stakeholders to join forces in the fight, writes Tionge Hara.
During an interview at the orientation for the awardees of the third cohort of the Forestry and Accountability Journalism in Malawi( FAJIM) in Salima, Kamoto expressed optimism about the department's progress, while acknowledging that there is still a long way to go.
"We have introduced stiffer punishments for those destroying the forests in Malawi," Kamoto stated, highlighting the department's commitment to tackling deforestation.
The Principal Public Relations Officer at the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Egrita Ndala, emphasised the bureau's role in enforcing laws and conducting civic education to address forestry crimes, which are often linked to corruption.
"Our aim is to raise awareness about the negative impacts of forestry crimes through sensitization programmes," Ndala explained during the interview.
The Chairperson of the Association of Environmental Journalists in Malawi, Matthews Malata, praised the impactful stories published by the awardees of the FAJIM, stating that they bring awareness to the issue and prompt authorities to take urgent action.
The association provides grants to journalists to pursue investigative stories.
The orientation in Salima was held for the five awardees of the third cohort, representing AfricaBrief ( the writer and Winston Mwale, the Editor-in-Chief), MBC, Capital FM, and Montfort Media.