Malawi President advises citizens to embrace afforestation

By Bisola Adeyemo

Malawi President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, has appealed to all citizens to get involved in forestry landscape restoration activities to mitigate deforestation in the country.

The president made the appeal on Friday while inaugurating 2021/2022 national tree planting season and simultaneously launched the Malawi Green Corps project and National Forest Calendar at Mponela in Dowa District.

In his remarks, President Chakwera appealed for concerted efforts in managing and protecting forestry resources to mitigate deforestation in the country.

“We cannot afford to have anyone be a spectator when the very survival and sustainability of our way of life are at stake. We are already reeling from the ravages of four different tropical storms that have hit us in recent years.

“Reforestation must be part of our national defence against these climate change impacts. If we used to think that what happens to a forest far from where we live does not affect us, we cannot think that any longer,” emphasized the president.

“What happens to a forest affects what we eat, how much that food costs, how much rain comes and when, even the condition of the road we travel on, and even the quality of the air we breathe.”

Chakwera explained that Malawi Green Corps Project is aimed at laying a foundation for the sustainable and green recovery of the country.

“This project also addresses the issue of lost income and creates employment for many of our vulnerable people that have been most affected by climate change and Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

On the other hand, the president noted that the National Forestry Calendar is important, because it ensures that we are engaged in these activities throughout the year.

“Not just when it is time to plant trees. Additionally, the year-round care of trees is an enterprise that will provide thousands of much needed jobs for our youth, as it is my goal to ensure that as many government projects as possible keep their foot on their pedal of the job creation drive, which is one of the three priorities of my administration,” said Chakwera.