Likoma District in reforestation drive

 Likoma District Forestry Office has led people to plant trees to promote the aesthetic value of the island.

Speaking on Wednesday during the tree-planting exercise, Likoma district forestry officer Grant Kumwenda said they planted about 450 palm trees and 600 bamboo seedlings.

“The initiative seeks to promote the beauty of the island. We want to ensure the island is more attractive to local and international tourists,” he said.

Kumwenda also said the reforestation exercise intends to prevent soil erosion which causes siltation in Lake Malawi.

He urged community members to take care of the trees and promote regeneration of indigenous trees.

Likoma Ward councillor Ernest Gulu commended the forestry office for initiating the exercise, saying it will help to add beauty to the island district.

“Getting more tourists to the island will help the district to generate more revenue,” he said.

During the exercise, community members planted tree seedlings in schools and their woodlots.

The tree-planting season opened on December 15 2021 and will close on April 15 2022. President Lazarus Chakwera officially launched the season last month by planting a mthete tree in Ntchisi District.

About 40 million trees are expected to be planted nationwide