Norwegian Ambassador Asbjorn Eidhammer says his government values the replacement of natural vegetation, especially trees which have been cut down over the decades.
Eidhammer said this on Monday at Kawere Primary School in Mponela, Dowa, when he opened a tree-planting season for National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi (Nasfam) .
“Nasfam shares the same interests with us when it comes to replacement of trees. Trees are very important in many ways, but most importantly they capture green gasses which cause hot unfavourable conditions so that the weather is not disturbed,” said Eidhammer.
He advised pupils to take a leading role in planting and caring for the trees.
“Forests give us many important products such as medicines, firewood and food such as wild fruits, mushrooms and wild tubers which are not only good in fighting hunger but also in [aiding] nutrition,” he said.
Nasfam acting development director Beatrice Makwenda said the organisation will plant more trees this season and will also sensitise people, especially children, to take care of the trees.
“The major problem we have every year is poor management in terms of caring for the trees. This time around we have come up with a new strategy, which will involve community sensitisation on the importance of taking care of the trees after planting so that they survive,” said Makwenda.
She advised community members to plant trees around their homes and gardens to have their own which they can fully control.
