By Draxon Maloya
Raiply Malawi Limited has made significant strides in promoting sustainable environmental management and conservation of water sources through community woodlot creations.
This year alone, the company has donated seedlings to schools, churches, chiefs, councillors, and journalists, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
According to Dalitso Chimwala, Public Relations Officer at Raiply Malawi Limited, the company has managed 20,000 hectares of plantable plantation since 1999.
However, about 6,000 hectares of this land was bare due to harvesting, illegal activities, and constant fires, but to address this, the company embarked on an ambitious reforestation program.
“Since 2002, we started planting, first with just a modest 42 hectares, gradually increasing until around 2017, when management reviewed the forest management plan. “We looked at the expanding industry, increased demand for wood products, and the need for sustainability.” Chimwala explained.
Chimwala’s remarks align with the sentiments expressed by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Krishna Das, during the Raiply National Volleyball Championship finals in Mzuzu, highlighting the company’s success in planting over 1,200 hectares across its three sections – Kalungulu, Champhoyo, and Chikangawa – over the last four years..
“This impressive achievement demonstrates commitment to sustainable environmental conservation,” he added.
Raiply Malawi Limited’s initiatives serve as a model for sustainable environmental management, highlighting the importance of responsible forest practices and community engagement.
During commemoration of this years International Day of forests (IDF), youths in the country were urged to be at the forefront protecting forests as they provide essential ecosystem services to the environment.
In an Interview with Malawi News Agency ( MANA), Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr .Yusuf Mkungula said as the country is facing challenges of land degradation, climate change and deforestation, it is important to come with solutions to protect the environment.
“Let’s commit to reforesting our lands, promoting agroforestry and protecting our natural resources. Together, we can ensure a future where forests continue to support our food security and well-being.
“Trees provide food, fuel and employment and they help mitigate the effects of climate change. By learning about sustainable forest management and conservation, young people can play a role in protecting the planet. This is not just about planting trees, it’s about planting hope for the future of Malawi,” Mkungula said.
He further urged communities to come together and make forest restoration in Malawi a success because a sustainable forest management begins with each one of us.
With a renewed commitment to sustainability, Raiply Malawi Limited is setting new heights by targeting to plant 1,000 hectares annually, aiming to restore bare lands and replenish harvested areas.
To achieve this ambitious goal, the company has made significant investments in new vehicles, tractors, and human resources, including hiring graduates to bolster its forest operations team.
