Thousands of Trees Planted in Salima District
Among other things, the initiatives will help create a resilient community forest that will prioritize areas with the lowest tree cover each planting season, Chiweyo said.
SALIMA, Malawi - More than 5,000 trees are to be planted by Koinonia Mission during the 2023/2024 tree planting season as part of its environmental initiatives along Lipimbi river traditional authority Khombedza and around Chenyama village traditional authority Karonga in Salima, writes Alienafe Nyanda.
The faith-based organization has launched its Forest Strategy that sets out how 5,000 new trees will be planted over three years and its vision for increasing tree and canopy cover in the districts, while maintaining existing trees.
"Over the next three years we will accelerate our planting plans," said Emmanuel Chiweyo, Koinonia Mission's programs manager, in an interview Monday.
Among other things, the initiatives will help create a resilient community forest that will prioritize areas with the lowest tree cover each planting season, Chiweyo said.
Koinonia will focus efforts on planting trees in and around schools, care homes and other healthcare settings, he said.
"We want to plant trees in the right places, where their benefits are greatest and will have the most positive impact on peoples' lives."
Annually, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change organizes tree planting from December 15 to April 15 to increase understanding of the significance of trees and forests while encouraging a tradition of tree planting and maintenance in the country.
The theme for 2023/2024 is "Forest Innovation in Action: Reforestation for a Sustainable Tomorrow," reflecting a proactive approach towards addressing environmental challenges.
Salima district chairperson Chifundo Katoweka and district commissioner James Mwenda have urged the community to actively participate to ensure the success of the tree planting season.
Koinonia Mission is a ministry working from the platform of the local church, with the task of being obedient to the great commission by effectively becoming all things to all men.