Minister commends Mulanje Mountain conservation efforts
Minister of Forestry and Natural Resources Nancy Tembo says community participation in Mulanje is key to the restoration of degraded landscapes, especially in Mulanje Mountain.
The minister said this on Friday during a visit to Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust (MMCT), an initiative that involves communities in conserving and restoring forest cover on one of the largest mountains in Africa.
Said Tembo: “Our commitment to restoring nature needs good collaboration between the stakeholders and communities like what is happening here.
“People should take part and understand the significance of having a conserved environment for sustainable development of their lives.”
The minister said she was delighted with MMCT’s work and plans that complement the ministry’s efforts.
In her remarks, group village head Nakhonyo said MMCT has helped them to realise that the mountain is an asset to be protected from degradation.
“We are volunteers, but the possible benefits of conserving the mountain motivate us,” she said.
MMCT executive director Carl Bruessow said they strive to make the mountain a biosphere reserve.
He said: “We are looking at the multiple resource management from wildlife, water and biodiversity to forest for the benefit of the communities.
“We are also committed to assisting in the restoration of 140 000 degraded hectares on and around the mountain in the next five years.”
In partnership with the communities, MMCT has 24 tree nurseries with seedlings ready to be planted this year.
During the event, Tembo also appreciated efforts of Cedar Energy, a hydro power generation company, in conserving the environment around its premises.
