Sustainable Cape Maclear Community-Based Organisation (CBO) has embarked on a campaign to promote afforestation efforts to protect Lake Malawi National Park in Mangochi District.
Under the initiative, residents who plant and take care of 15 trees will receive three bags of fertiliser weighing 50 kilogramme each.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting on Saturday in Monkey Bay, the organisation’s team leader John Banana said they want to motivate communities surrounding Cape Maclear to conserve Lake Malawi National Park to protect species and promote sustainable use of resources.
He also said the CBO plans to place dustbins in strategic locations in Monkey Bay to maintain cleanliness in the area, one of the country’s major tourist destinations, particularly Cape Maclear.
Banana further hailed the proposed Resource Use Guidelines, describing them as crucial in ensuring that stakeholders operating within the game reserve adhere to proper environmental standards.
Lake Malawi National Park Upper Shire division manager Mcphilip Mwithokona commended the organisation for the initiative, saying it will encourage more people to plant and protect trees.
“We want to applaud the organisation for introducing the initiative. It will motivate people to take care of the national park,” he said.
One of the residents, Bernard Gulo, said he will encourage fellow community members to plant trees in the area.
“I believe many people will respond positively because of the fertiliser incentive,” he said.
