Network targets to plant 10 000 trees
Global Environment Facility Partners Network (GPN) has embarked on an initiative to plant 10 000 trees in Mzimba, Lilongwe, Chikwawa and Nsanje districts.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative at Mpherembe in Mzimba District on Saturday, GPN chairperson Maynard Nyirenda said the network, which has 40 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), has set aside K3 million (about $ 4 238) to launch the tree-planting exercises in the other three areas.
He said: “The network gives a platform to NGOs working in rural areas to network on issues of the environment such as land degradation, climate change, conservation biodiversity and pollution.
“As this is the rainy season, we decided to plant trees in an effort to mitigate the effects of climate change.”
At Mpherembe, the network planted 2 000 trees on the banks of Jombo Dam which has dried up due to siltation and a depleted natural environment.
Global Environment Facility small grants programme coordinator Alex Damaliphetsa said since 2008 when the programme was established, they have supported 68 NGOs with K200 million (about $282 586).
President Peter Mutharika is today set to launch the 2016 National Forestry Season, a period during which Malawians are encouraged to plant trees in a bid to reafforest the bare hills, river banks and other areas.
