By Shaffie A Mtambo
Paramount Chief Kaduya of the Lhomwe tribe has issued a heartfelt appeal to communities along rivers to safeguard newly planted tree seedlings. This comes as Malawi strives to restore its degraded forests, which have been ravaged by human activities and natural disasters.
Speaking at the launch of Phalombe’s district tree planting season in Nyambalo, Paramount Chief Kaduya emphasized the importance of protecting these young trees. She noted that the tendency to uproot them undermines government and partner efforts to revive the nation’s forests.
Phalombe District Council has set an ambitious target of planting 2 million tree seedlings between December 15, 2024, and April 2025. Director of Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources James Banda expressed optimism about achieving a 100 percent tree survival rate.
This initiative is part of Malawi’s broader efforts to address deforestation and environmental degradation. The country aims to restore 4.5 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, as outlined in the National Forestry Policy and the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100).
By protecting riverbank trees, communities can help preserve biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, and support the country’s ecological restoration goals. Paramount Chief Kaduya’s appeal serves as a reminder of the critical role individuals play in safeguarding Malawi’s natural resources.
