Minister of Forestry and Natural Resources, Nancy Tembo planting a tree
* It is everybody’s responsibility to plant trees as we all need trees for fuel wood, oxygen, construction
* We all need trees for almost everything which we do every day
* In fact we need trees more than trees need us
* Government plans to plant 60 million trees across the country
* Tree planting season commenced in December 2020 and scheduled to run up to April 2021
* WESN calls upon various stakeholders to make a follow ups on the trees planted to ensure their survival
By Moses Nyirenda, MANA
Without waiting to be officially reminded, Minister of Forestry and Natural Resources, Nancy Tembo has urged the public to embrace the spirit of tree planting to replace cut for people’s everyday needs.
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The Minister made the remarks on Monday during tree planting exercise which was organized by Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) and Trocaire at the catchment area of Lilongwe River situated at Katete Farm in Lilongwe.
Tembo said trees are vital to everyday human life, hence it was everyone’s responsibility to take part in tree planting.
“It is everybody’s responsibility to plant trees,” she said. “We all need tree for fuel wood, oxygen, construction and we all need trees for almost everything which we do every day.
“In fact we need trees more than trees need us. We cannot spend a day without using something made from trees. Trees also help to conserve environment and make sure that we have adequate water.
Practising what she preaches
“In addition, trees helps to mitigate climate change issues such as drought,” said the Minister, who reminded the people that government wants to plant 60 million trees across the country — during the planting season which commenced in December 2020 and scheduled to run up to April 2021.
The Minister commended LWB for supporting government in conserving environment in the country particularly on the sources of Lilongwe River.
“I would like to thank LWB for continued support to government efforts of conserving the source of Lilongwe River by assisting the Department of Forestry in different areas.
Engineer Kajanga, LWB board chairperson
“For instance, three weeks ago LWB handed over one of the three houses for the forest guards that have been constructed with their support and we are not taking this thing for granted,” she said.
Tembo applauded Trocair for its contribution towards environmental conservation in the country which includes provision of 1,000 bamboo seedlings which were planted at Katete Farm.
LWB Board chairperson, Engineer George Kajanga said they were committed to plant more trees in Lilongwe especially on Lilongwe River catchment.
“We are aware that water is stored well when we have vegetation such as trees, for this reason we are committed to plant more trees — particularly along Lilongwe River catchment area so that we can conserve its environment in order for the river to have more water,” he said.
Over 2,000 trees were planted during the exercise that was participated by students from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).
Meanwhile, Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESN) has called upon various stakeholders who are engaging in reforestation to make follow ups on the trees planted to ensure their survival.
Launch of the Mthunzi Funeral Services nursery
WESN’s Board chairperson, Tiwonge Gawa said this in Blantyre on Tuesday when Mthunzi Funeral Services — a subsidiary of Old Mutual Malawi — was launching its tree nursery.
This also marked the launch of Old Mutual’s 2021 tree planting season and in his remarks Chief Operating Officer, Khumbo Phiri said as a cooperate citizen they realize the effects of climate change and also noting that deforestation is on the increased in the country.
Old Mutual donated 12,000 tree seedings to communities surrounding Blantyre City.—Additional reporting by Mayamiko Phiri, Maravi Express contributor
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