Dedza district commissioner Thomas Chigwenembe has commended communities in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kachere for their efforts in conserving the environment.
The communities are implementing interventions aimed at planting trees in bare land under a project that Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (Mepa) is implementing in the district.
Speaking on Friday after appreciating the trees that were planted in February, Chigwenembe said it was impressive to see people of Bango Village taking huge steps in protecting trees.
鈥淭hese people are so committed; they have already cleared the places where trees were planted in February this year. We can see that they have safeguarded the trees and fire cannot destroy the restored forest,鈥 he said.
Chigwenembe said some people hunt mice and derive pleasure in burning bushes; hence, the need to protect forests from fire.
Dedza district chief agriculture officer Matilda Mtambo said there is a direct link between environmental conservation and farming; hence, the need for communities to take active roles in conserving the environment.
鈥淭alking of land degradation; this results in low yields. We also experience erratic rains as a result of climate change. These have a direct link with agricultural production. We ask farmers to continue planting and taking care of the trees,鈥 she said.
Group village head Bango appealed to council authorities to support the communities to visit Salima or Mulanje districts where the project is running to learn how their counterparts are implementing activities