World Vision urges people to protect forests

World Vision Malawi has launched a forestry management plan to empower communities from traditional authorities (T/As) Mazengera and Chitekwere to protect forests.

Speaking on Tuesday during the launch in T/A Chitekwele, World Vision Malawi Lilongwe district programmes manager Harold Munthali urged communities to stop cutting down trees from forests.

“We agreed to come up with by-laws to protect forests. We have planted trees on 299 hectares in T/As Mazengera and Chitekwere. So, I urge people to follow the by-laws to protect the forests,” he said.

Lilongwe District Council chairperson Dan Mtayamanja said the initiative was important as it will protect forests.

He said: “Now that World Vision Malawi has led this initiative, it is now our duty as communities to manage this programme.

“It takes courage and dedication to protect forests in our areas. I appeal to communities to follow these by-laws to protect the forests.”

Lilongwe district forestry officer Maggie Kawalewale asked village heads to ensure that their subjects are protecting the forests.

“It is the responsibility of village heads to ensure that people obey by-laws formulated to protect the forests,” she said.

T/A Chitekwere has since issued a stern warning to those who will be caught felling trees in the forests.