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Lead-SEA impressed with trees survival rate

 

Leadership for Environment and Development, Southern and Eastern Africa (Lead-SEA) says it is impressed with the survival rate of trees planted in 2008 in capacity building ownership climate change adaptation and mitigation measures that phased out in 2011.

Chiotha (4th L) with some communities during the visit in Nsanje
Chiotha (4th L) with some communities during the visit in Nsanje

Lead-SEA executive director Sosten Chiotha, during an assessment visit to Nsanje, said he was impressed with the survival rate of the trees planted in 2008 up to now.

“I am impressed to see that the number of trees has increased and their survival rate improved. This can be attributed to an increase in understanding of tree nursery establishment and management.

“We have seen many woodlots being established and managed well from 2008-2011,” said Chiotha.

However, he expressed concern over the massive deforestation in the district’s hills and mountains where trees are cut down for charcoal and firewood.

He, therefore, called for joint effort in protecting the hills, saying wanton tree cutting is causing trouble to the low-lying areas.

Chiotha further told farmers that the trees that have been planted would benefit them; hence, the need to continue managing them well.

The projects were implemented in traditional authorities (T/As) Mbenje in Mangoti Extension Planning Area (EPA) and Mlolo in Makhanga Extension Planning Area (EPA), in Nsanje.

Christopher Mashilo, forestry assistant managing the seven villages in T/A Mlolo, said his club planted trees in Makhanga area after an assessment on climate change conducted a nursery management and sensitisation tour in Machinga for the members to appreciate what people in other areas were doing.

“After that, we gave out wheelbarrows, tree seedlings, shovels and hoes as a starter pack toolkit.

“We then started planting trees in Namiyala stream whose trees you are appreciating today. Here we had two groups Umodzi and Osiyana clubs,” said Mashilo. n

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