Chiefs want inclusion on climate change
Some chiefs in the country have called on government to actively involve them in the fight against climate change.
The chiefs made the call in Lilongwe on Tuesday during a meeting to brief stakeholders on the CoP 19 meeting, which was held in Warsaw, Poland from November 11to 22 2013.
Traditional Authority (T/A) Nthondo of Ntchisi told the conference that traditional leaders can play a key role in passing messages about climate change to their subjects if involved.
“Communities are the ones facing more challenges in terms of adverse effects of climate change. However, information as well as involvement only concentrated in town. How do we pass on the message to our subjects if we are not involved?”asked Nthondo.
Senior Chief Makwangwala of Ntcheu said there is need for traditional leaders to understand climate change issues.
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Halima Daudi said government realises the importance of involving chiefs in climate change issues.
“We will empower forestry officers at districts level to furnish chiefs with the necessary information,” she said.
