By Nellie Nyirenda

Blantyre, June 2, Mana; Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change will host a joint commemoration of World Environment Day and the International Day for Biological Diversity on June 5 at Chongole Primary School grounds in Nkhotakota under the local theme: Harmony with Nature: End Plastic Pollution for Sustainable Development.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Yusuf Mkungula, the joint theme reflects Malawi’s urgent call to restore the balance between human development and the environment by tackling the growing threats of plastic pollution and biodiversity loss.

“The Government of Malawi, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, is implementing several initiatives to restore ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and curb plastic pollution,” the statement reads.

The statement said the ministry is encouraging the public to reduce the use of single-use plastics, adopt reusable alternatives, and recycle plastics and other materials responsibly.

Social commentator, Wonderful Mkhutche, said the local theme is relevant as the day will help the country reflect how use of thin plastic is affecting the biodiversity.

He said the country should put in place systems that should protect the environment from non-environmental friendly practices, including use of the thin plastics.