Youth-Led Initiative Combats Deforestation and Empowers Communities in Malawi
Dedicated group of young individuals in Lilongwe, Malawi, spearhead effort to combat deforestation and promote environmental sustainability through tree planting and briquette man
LILONGWE, MALAWI — A dedicated group of young individuals in Lilongwe, Malawi, are spearheading a noteworthy effort to combat deforestation and promote environmental sustainability, writes Mustafa Makumba.
Operating under the banner of Youth Progressive Environmental Solutions (YPES), these passionate youths have been actively engaging in tree-planting initiatives within the region of Traditional Authority Malili, Lilongwe.
Since its inception in 2018, the YPES group has achieved a significant milestone by planting over 50 thousand tree seedlings, contributing to the restoration of degraded forests.
This commendable initiative not only focuses on reforesting deforested areas but also extends its impact by distributing free tree seedlings and seeds to local non-governmental organisations, clubs, and interested individuals.
Moreover, YPES provides essential managerial skills and mentorship to these recipients, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
Innovatively, the group has expanded its activities to include briquette manufacturing lessons, offering an alternative avenue for empowerment.
This initiative has resulted in the establishment of school woodlots and the creation of personal businesses that generate sustainable income streams.
Maureen Chimpanda, the Operations Manager and co-founder of YPES highlighted the initiative's dual purpose: "We distribute tree seedlings for free to youth and women's organisations that are willing to plant the trees and have a piece of land. We also monitor their ability to take care of the tree plants."
Local beneficiaries of YPES's endeavours, particularly within the jurisdiction of T/A Malili, have reported significant positive outcomes.
Ellen Chintengo, a 24-year-old resident, shared her success story: "Through biomass briquette production training, I managed to realise some capital that I now invest in pig farming."
The initiative has indeed transformed lives, allowing individuals like Chintengo to embark on new income-generating ventures.
Andrew Kam’boma, another resident of the Malili area, lauded the impact of tree planting activities: "The interventions helped in changing our mindset against deforestation as we initially relied on charcoal as a source of energy, but now, thanks to this initiative, deforestation cases have drastically reduced."
The ripple effects are visible, as Kam’boma managed to set up a local shop, contributing to his community's economic vitality while promoting sustainable practices.
Malawi faces a plethora of environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and inadequate waste management.
The reliance on wood for fuel and unsustainable agricultural practises have exacerbated deforestation and soil degradation, ultimately jeopardising biodiversity.
Water pollution and scarcity, due to agricultural runoff and inadequate sanitation, continue to pose threats to both human and ecosystem health.
Furthermore, the impacts of climate change have manifested in unpredictable weather patterns and an increased frequency of extreme events, endangering agricultural productivity.
However, initiatives like YPES are paving the way for positive change.
By combating deforestation and promoting sustainable practices, Malawi stands to regain a stable climate and a cleaner environment, fostering enhanced agricultural productivity and overall well-being.
For now, as Malawi takes a collective step toward a greener future, the efforts of passionate youth, exemplified by the Youth Progressive Environmental Solutions group, offer a beacon of hope for a more sustainable tomorrow.