By Burnett Munthali
Residents of Thyolo have been urged to take responsibility for tree conservation as part of efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change and prevent natural disasters that have severely impacted Malawi in recent years.
The call was made by Thyolo District Commissioner, Hudson Kuphanga, during the official launch of the 2024/2025 District Forestry Season at Nankhulumbo Primary School grounds in Traditional Authority Mchilamwera’s area on Thursday. Speaking at the event, Kuphanga emphasized the crucial role trees play in environmental conservation, particularly in reducing deforestation, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining water sources.
He pointed out that climate change has led to extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and cyclones, which have devastated various parts of the country. According to him, unchecked deforestation has exacerbated these issues, making communities more vulnerable to disasters. He, therefore, urged local residents, community leaders, and organizations to actively participate in tree planting and conservation initiatives to build resilience against environmental challenges.
The Thyolo District Council has set an ambitious goal to plant at least one million tree seedlings during the forestry season. This initiative aligns with Malawi’s broader National Forestry Season, which runs from December 15, 2024, to April 15, 2025. At the national level, the government aims to plant 40 million tree seedlings across the country as part of a large-scale reforestation effort.
During the launch, Kuphanga called on all stakeholders, including schools, farmers, and businesses, to support the initiative by planting and nurturing trees to ensure long-term sustainability. He stressed that planting trees alone is not enough; communities must take responsibility for their survival by preventing bushfires, illegal logging, and other activities that threaten forests.
Traditional leaders and local officials in attendance echoed the District Commissioner’s sentiments, pledging their support in sensitizing their communities on the importance of afforestation. They emphasized that tree planting is a collective responsibility that requires long-term commitment to yield environmental and economic benefits.
The National Forestry Season is a critical period in Malawi’s fight against climate change and environmental degradation. With increasing deforestation and the depletion of natural forests, government authorities and environmentalists believe that aggressive tree-planting efforts can help restore ecosystems and contribute to sustainable development.
As the season progresses, authorities in Thyolo and across the country will be monitoring the progress of tree planting activities to ensure that the seedlings take root and thrive. The success of this initiative will largely depend on the commitment of local communities to nurture and protect the trees, ultimately contributing to a greener and more resilient Malawi.
