By Burnett Munthali
George Zibophe, the winner of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Innovation Idea Award in Malawi, has called on the public to take greater responsibility for reducing waste pollution by recycling existing materials such as plastic, paper, and bottles into new, usable products.
Zibophe is leading an impactful environmental initiative through the Eco-Ambassadors Innovation Idea Project, which is being carried out in collaboration with Bliss Youth for Change in Nkhotakota. The project focuses on empowering young people through environmental education and promoting reforestation efforts in local communities.
“Through this project, I am encouraging youth to get involved in recycling initiatives, such as creating eco-bricks from collected plastic waste. We are also focusing on collecting plastic waste from community areas, including market squares and offices, in order to raise awareness about pollution and the importance of maintaining a clean environment,” said Zibophe.
The project has already made a tangible impact in Nkhotakota. Alfred Chigoma Phiri, Chairperson for Bliss Youth for Change, praised the efforts, noting that the youth have successfully constructed a bench at Chisoti and a flower lawn at Dzikonilonse Primary School as part of their mission to enhance the local environment. They are also raising awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and its detrimental impact on both health and wildlife.
“We are also planting trees and flowers in schools to create a better living environment amidst the escalating challenges of climate change,” Phiri added.
Zibophe’s initiative aligns with ongoing concerns about plastic waste management in Malawi. The project is particularly significant given the recent legal developments surrounding plastic pollution. Only months ago, a court injunction was granted to 11 plastic manufacturing companies, halting the government’s efforts to enforce a ban on the production of thin plastic products.
As Malawi grapples with growing environmental challenges, Zibophe’s efforts, in partnership with Bliss Youth for Change, stand as a beacon of hope for young people looking to make a difference in the fight against pollution and climate change.
Through innovation, education, and community-based action, the project is contributing to a cleaner, greener Malawi.
