GOVT UNDERLINES THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUTH INCLUSION IN REFORESTATION

By Emma Zawanda

Minister of Forestry and Natural Resources Nancy Tembo has emphasized youths will not be left behind in the reforestation drive. 

Tembo said in partnership with the UN development agency UNDP through the Malawi Green Corps this year alone 2 thousand youths will be engaged in forest restoration and waste management activities. 

"The ministry has also secured support of Members of Parliament who are planting a thousand tree seedlings each in respective constituencies," said Tembo.

According to Tembo, such approach is expected to instill sense of ownership among communities in managing community forest resources.

She complained that Malawi is facing an environmental catastrophe worsened by massive deforestation bringing serious adverse impacts including food insecurity, water woes just to mention a few.

Official data shows that Malawi loses more than 50 hectares of forests each year through deforestation.  

On Sunday, Malawi and the international community commemorated International Day of Forests under the theme Forest restoration: a path to recovery and wellbeing.

Meanwhile as the globe celebrates World Water Day, authorities say the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed that water is critical in being the last line of defense in preventing infection.

With statistics showing only 67% of households in Malawi have access basic drinking water, Minister of Forestry and Natural Resources Nancy Tembo said government is currently reviewing the National Water Policy to turn the tables. 

"World Water Day serves as an platform to raise awareness about water crises facing countries including Malawi," said Tembo.

She also did not rule out the impact Climate Change has brought on Malawi in accessibility of water. 

But with collaborative efforts, Tembo believes government and other stakeholders can bridge the 33%  gap of households still struggling to access clean water in Malawi come 2030.