Communities move to restore forests

Communities at Lumbe Village, Traditional Authority Chekucheku in Neno District have moved to restore trees in Ndiliswa Forest Reserve.

The communities, working under the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme, are promoting natural regeneration to ensure the forests grow fast.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Mtuwanjovu Catchment Management Committee member John Vericio said the forest is fast regaining its glory since they started taking care of it two years ago.

“The forest boasted of indigenous trees and grass but was heavily depleted through charcoal production and firewood,” he said.

Another participant, Eneless Chamasowa, said they created firebreaks around the forest to protect it from bush fires.

She said the 90 participants conduct patrols around the forest to ensure that people do not encroach it or set bush fires.

“We are working with traditional leaders who set rules to punish encroachers,” said Chamasowa.

She said communities have now taken up the responsibility of taking care of the forest unlike in the past when people could just cut down trees.

Neno District Council forestry officer Eric Mbingwane said the district is grappling with illegal harvesting of trees for charcoal production.

However, he said the department has intensified patrols to fight the malpractice.

Neno Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme desk officer Vincent Sambuka said there are 14 316 participants in the district.

The programme is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project funded by the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.