Nsanje Targets 1.6M Trees This Season
The goal is 1.6 million trees planted across Nsanje this season through the combined efforts of the forestry office, partners, and local residents.
NSANJE, Malawi - The Nsanje District Forestry Office says it intends to plant 1.6 million tree seedlings this planting season in the district, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
District Forestry Officer Ustanzious Nthenda revealed the plan in an interview on Tuesday, saying 1.2 million of the trees will come from partner contributions while his department has raised 400,000 seedlings.
"Let us take care of the trees we are going to plant and those we planted in past years," Nthenda said.
He urged communities to refrain from cultivating on steep slopes and riverbanks, noting that trees take a long time to mature and need protection from goat browsing and fire in order to grow.
Some people have natural trees that should be managed for natural regeneration, Nthenda added.
The forestry office is taking advantage of the rainy season to encourage locals to plant trees, calling it an opportunity like growing any other crop.
Nthenda wants residents to treat tree planting as seriously as they would maize or other staples.
"Trees are like any other crops people grow," he said.
The goal is 1.6 million trees planted across Nsanje this season through the combined efforts of the forestry office, partners, and local residents.
Nthenda hopes the entire district will join in managing and protecting trees to promote long-term growth.