Malawi Conservationists Decry ‘Barbaric’ Attack on Forest Rangers
The group warned that if unchecked, such violence could jeopardize Malawi's participation in global initiatives to restore land and protect biodiversity.
BLANTYRE, Malawi- A leading Malawian conservation group has condemned the recent "brutal attack" on a forest ranger in Machinga district, calling it a "barbaric" act of violence against those protecting the country's ecosystems, writes Winston Mwale.
The Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE) denounced the assault in a statement Wednesday, saying attacks on rangers "not only endanger their lives but also threaten the ecological balance and integrity of our ecosystems."
According to the statement, the recent incident in Machinga is one of many violent acts against forest guards and game rangers in Malawi.
CURE said these frontline defenders play a pivotal role in safeguarding ecosystems against threats like poaching, illegal logging and environmental degradation.
CURE's executive director, Charles Mkoka, urged authorities to swiftly investigate such attacks and bring perpetrators to justice.
"It is imperative that all necessary measures are taken to ensure the safety and security of those entrusted with protecting our natural heritage," he said.
Mkoka also called on the Malawian government to make the welfare of rangers a priority by providing more training, resources and support systems.
"Attacks on forest guards and game rangers not only endanger their lives but also threaten the ecological balance and integrity of our ecosystems," he warned.
CURE said if left unchecked, the violence could undermine Malawi's conservation gains and participation in global initiatives like the AFR100 land restoration effort, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
"Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to the protection of our forests, wildlife, and the brave individuals who defend them, and stand united against any form of violence or aggression targeting those working tirelessly to conserve our planet’s biodiversity," Mkoka said.
CURE pledged its full support to the affected rangers and their families.
The group also called on the public to collectively condemn attacks targeting Malawi's conservation heroes.
Established in 1994, CURE is an umbrella organization coordinating over 30 Malawian civil society groups involved in environmental protection and natural resource management.
Its mission is to promote sustainable and participatory management of the environment.
That's great CURE and the big gaps in the systems are mostly because of limited resources both human capacity and financial. This is just one of the more sufferings Foresters in law enforcement go through. This need to be checked with urgency.
There's absolutely no room for such acts, The syndicates should be brought to book.