21 groups join mountain celebration

As Malawi joins celebration of the International Mountains Day, 21 local hiking groups will take part in the event scheduled for Salima’s seven hills on December 11.

According to a release from deputy director in the land resources conservation Gertrude Kambauwa selection of Salima for the annual event is a basis on a three-pronged approached: Promotion of tourism, environmental protection and health and wellness contribution.

“Mountain hikers are a key constituency in efforts to restore and conserve mountains. At the same time, hiking helps people to keep fit and mountains are one of the popular activities that local and international tourists engage in,” she indicates.

The event’s organising committee publicist Kondwani Chamwala, the groups are set for the trek that will start off from the Malawi Defence Force parachute battalion.

The theme this year is Mountains Matter for Women. And, Chamwala says, that is an apt theme.

“Mostly, it is men who are depleting mountains. Yet, it is women who are most affected by that depletion as they have to draw water, which is scarcely available,” he said.

The organising team co-chair Austin Mndolo of the Hikers Alliance based in Zomba said they are excited with the event that occurs under the theme Mountains Matter for Women.

“The seven hills are in the territory of the Malawi Defence Force Parachute Batallion. This makes it an interesting spot for the 21 groups that are spread across the country,” said Mndolo.