18/01/2025
Government calls for partnership in protecting the environment.
GOVERNMENT has called upon all stakeholders and citizens to pay special attention to issues relating to sustainable forest management.
Speaking at the launch of the 2024 / 2025 Tree planting Ceremony in Eastern Province at Mshawa Chiefdom, Provincial Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr Lewis Mwape said government is very concerned with climate change which has triggered droughts.
He called for partnership in protecting the environment.
Dr Mwape said high rates of deforestation, land degradation and over-dependence on woodfuel have all contributed to changes in the climate.
The P.S has since urged people in Eastern Province to partner with government in the protection of the environment.
Dr Mwape is therefore inviting well-meaning people to participate in the noble cause and make the earth a safe place to live in.
“I would like to urge every citizen, local communities, traditional leaders, local authorities, civil society, the youth, senior citizens and faith-based organisations as well as private sector to enhance the partnership with government in protecting the environment and improving the quality of life of our people by participating in tree planting and forest conservation activities,” he said.
“I am pleased to inform the nation that the 2024/2025 tree planting season will be commemorated country-wide through several tree planting activities coordinated by the forestry department," he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Mshawa thanked government for launching the Tree planting ceremony in his chiefdom and asked for more seedlings to plant in areas that have been left bare and have become prone to soil erosion as well as harsh winds.
He asked his people to avoid cutting down of trees and to burn charcoal to avoid climate complications.
"We only ask the Forestry department to bring us more seedlings so that we can plant as many trees in the area,” the Chief said.
The 2024/2025 National Tree Planting Season was being commemorated under the theme “Planting for Resilience: Using Trees to Combat Drought, Build Food Security and Increase Household incomes.
By Lucy Phiri
Kalemba January 18, 2025
