Wesm proposes formation of body to protect environment
Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (Wesm) has proposed the establishment of an authority to enforce protection of rivers and trees as one way of protecting the environment.
The proposal was made at the commemorations of World Water Day and International Forest Day organised by Wesm with support from Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust (MMCT) in Mulanje on Saturday.
Speaking during the celebrations marked by several activities, Wesm chairperson for Mulanje, Harrison Palapandu, said that rivers and trees play an important role in society.
He said: “The right protocol in protecting rivers is to have an authority that needs to have strong policies. This authority needs to be empowered at all cost because if rivers are not protected, then Malawians will suffer.
“Similarly, trees are being cut wantonly which is sad. If people cut trees, they must at least plant another one to replace the one that was cut. Our environment needs to be conserved with much emphasis.”
Palapandu commended government for deploying Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers to guard trees, stressing that the development has helped to reduce the number of illegal loggers.
Group village head Njedza said the issue of deforestation has reached a level that needs to be controlled, adding that if no action is taken, future generations will face huge consequences than the country is facing.
He said deforestation has led to the loss of traditional medicine that is sometimes used in the absence of conventional medicine.
“Deforestation has become worrisome in my area. When people cut trees, they are not replanting which is pathetic.
“As responsible citizens, we need to put our efforts in conserving our enviroment,” said Njedza. n
