Training Support for Partners (TSP) on Tuesday conducted an orientation for Ntchisi district environment subcommittee on how to liaise with authorities in environmental management matters.
The orientation is part of TSP’s promotion of environmental information dissemination through education and outreach programmmes.
Speaking in an interview at Ntchisi District Agriculture Hall, TSP programme manager, Hastings Chamatwa, said the orientation was aimed at strengthening local leadership and district level institutions in sustainable natural resources management on customary land in Ntchisi and Nkhotakota.
“Our project also promotes adoption of alternative sources of income and livelihood for men and women around Ntchisi Forest Reserve in three traditional authorities of Vusojere, Nthondo and Kasakula,” said Chamatwa.
Ntchisi district environmental officer Gertrude Chinangwa Gangata hailed TSP for organising the orientation, saying the district environment subcommittee has a mandate to ensure that environmental concerns are integrated in all plans, programmes and projects of the local authorities.
She said apart from coordinating activities of local environment and natural resources, the district environment subcommittee has a duty to receive reports and advise local non-governmental organisations before they start implementing the projects.
“The district environment subcommittee prepares district action plans every five years so that they should be consistent with national environmental action plans,” said Gangata. n
