By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, January 30, Mana: Department of Forestry says there is need for more stakeholders in nurturing the newly planted trees as the department cannot handle the task alone.

Speaking when the Malawi Tourism Council, along with students from the Malawi Institute of Tourism, planted 1,000 trees in Michiru Forest Reserve, the department's forestry officer Lonjezo Kalema said although there are partners with the Council in tree planting, there is need for more stakeholders to jointly take care of the trees.

“During forest season which runs from December 15 to April 15, many companies and institutions help us to plant trees. However, there are fewer institutions that team with us to see that trees are growing, protecting them from bushfires and humans.

“Institutions should take the responsibility to see that trees planted have grown to maturity,” Kalema who represented the Southern Zone Forestry Manager said.

She expressed concern that people from areas around Michiru Forest Reserve are refusing to take ownership and are still cutting down trees in the reserve without care.

National Tourism Council Taskforce Chairperson, Matthews Mfune, said they were moved by saddening stories of how Michiru Forest Reserve is fast losing forest cover.

He said the Council plans to reach out to communities around the reserves on tree care and nurturing.