Group Urges Malawians to Lead Environmental Conservation Efforts
CISONECC has utilized the annual cultural celebration for three years to raise awareness about environmental issues and climate change challenges.
BLANTYRE, Malawi — A leading climate change organization is calling on Malawian citizens to take the initiative in environmental preservation efforts amid growing concerns over weather-related disasters, writes Happy Valirani.
Julius Ng'oma, national coordinator for the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC), emphasized this message Sunday at the Blantyre Arts Festival (BAF) held at Kamuzu Upper Stadium.
"We understand that culture can affect the environment, and climate can also affect culture," Ng'oma said.
"We need to find linkages between the two and ensure that as we manage traditional and cultural events, we also manage the environment."
This year's festival theme was "Preserving Culture and Climate Change Resilience."
CISONECC has utilized the annual cultural celebration for three years to raise awareness about environmental issues and climate change challenges.
Ng'oma highlighted the country's recent history of weather-related disasters.
"For the last five years, we have had floods, droughts, and even cyclones," he said.
"We are trying to say that as a country, we need to recognize that climate change is real."
Brenda Mdzagada Soko, a meteorologist from the Department of Climate and Meteorological Services, urged citizens to stay informed about weather updates.
"This October, we have already started the rainy season," Soko said.
"People should expect temperatures to rise and also expect rains. This season we are expecting more rain."
She emphasized that the department regularly provides advisories and warnings about potential weather-related hazards through various platforms.