Malawi Creation Care Network (MCCN) Empowers Youth to Champion Environmental Stewardship
The campaign embodies a collective effort to rekindle the nation's commitment to environmental stewardship and safeguarding the natural world for future generations.
Lilongwe, Malawi - The Malawi Creation Care Network (MCCN) is on a mission to empower young people and communities to lead the charge in caring for the environment, writes Johans Johans Mumba.
While the campaign currently focuses on universities across Malawi, it aspires to inspire environmental stewardship in every Malawian, fostering a collective commitment to rejuvenating the country's depleted ecosystems.
The campaign has already begun reaping rewards in various higher education institutions, including Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), University of Malawi (UNIMA), and Kasungu Teachers Training College.
Christina Rosha, a student majoring in Natural Resources Management Land and Water at LUANAR, enthusiastically expressed the impact of MCCN's efforts: "MCCN is a new force in the battle against environmental destruction. It has mobilized youths like myself, equipping us with knowledge, fostering a spirit of environmental stewardship, and providing a platform for active participation in safeguarding the environment."
One of the initiatives spearheaded by MCCN was a significant cleanup event in Blantyre, where they not only cleared the Mbayani Market of waste but also educated communities on the detrimental effects of single-use plastics.
Rosha highlighted how these activities have fostered community engagement, igniting a sense of shared responsibility.
The MCCN campaign has created a space where young individuals and others come together to learn various skills and strategies to lead environmental protection efforts.
Rosha further emphasized how this has influenced her school club, the Bunda Environmental Club, instilling a commitment to cleanliness and environmental preservation among students.
Japheth Abel, President of the University of Malawi Wildlife and Environmental Society (UNIMAWES), acknowledged the pivotal role MCCN plays in raising environmental awareness.
He noted the impact of initiatives like clean-up exercises in markets such as Chinamwali in Zomba and tree planting on Zomba Mountain, where MCCN partnered with Malawi Scotland Partnership.
These activities contribute to the global mission of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
Abel urged the public to support such campaigns as a means of protecting the environment and nature, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging nature's responses to humanity's actions.
Mabvuto Banda, a resident of Group Village Nkhwera, Traditional Authority Mnyanja in Kasungu district, echoed the sentiments of students and recognized the transformative influence of MCCN.
Banda was inspired to establish a woodlot after connecting with a student from Kasungu Teachers Training College.
Charles Bakolo, the MCCN National Coordinator, outlined the initiative's plans to expand its reach to more youth and communities throughout the country.
Recognizing the youth's crucial role in addressing environmental issues, he stressed their ability to drive solutions for sustainable development.
One such initiative is the production of charcoal briquettes, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change, specifically addressing Sustainable Development Goal number 13, which focuses on climate action.
MCCN's strategic objectives include promoting the concept of caring for creation, establishing effective governance systems and technical capacity, and encouraging advocacy, networking, and collaboration to amplify their environmental impact.
The campaign embodies a collective effort to rekindle the nation's commitment to environmental stewardship and safeguarding the natural world for future generations.