By Wellington Sibale

Neno, September 12, Mana: Concerned Youth Organization (CYO) has ramped up its climate change mitigation efforts in Neno District by implementing a "Sustainable Futures: Empowering Youth in Green Economy and Resilient Livelihoods" project in the district.

Speaking Wednesday during a Climate Information Dissemination Open Day held at Neno Mission ground under the theme "Climate Information for All, Leaving No One Behind," CYO Executive Director, Harvey Chimaliro, emphasized the need for collective action to build the project sustainability.

He said the project is designed to promote sustainable management of natural resources, climate resilience and youth empowerment through training in green economy practices.

“We organized this open day to reach out to the communities in Neno district with information on how to conserve the environment,” Chimaliro said.

The project is aimed at empowering young people and includes activities such as beekeeping, waste recycling, solar installation training, tree nursery establishment and cooperative farming.

“By promoting green economy, we seek to foster employment growth and sustainable income through public and private investment in low-carbon initiatives, enhancing energy and resource efficiency while preventing biodiversity loss,” he said.

CYO also encourages afforestation by training communities to raise tree nurseries and providing them with the necessary resources.

Chimaliro, therefore, asked for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders in the district for the project to be a success.

"We can't do this alone. Stakeholder involvement is crucial to ensure environmental conservation and improve livelihoods," Chimaliro stated.

Neno District Council Chief Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Officer, Upe Museko, underscored the importance of the project for Neno, a district severely affected by climate change.

 "The project has not only raised awareness but also provided strategies to support environmental conservation," Museko said.

Chairperson for Neno District Council, Joseph Chiphaliwali, expressed the council's full support for the project especially as it targets youth often involved in environment damaging activities like charcoal burning.

"We are committed to backing any efforts aimed at preserving our environment," he affirmed.

Chairperson for Neno District Youth Network, Margret Maluwa, highlighted the benefits to the youth, noting that they are being trained in income-generating activities such as beekeeping, manure production and seedling raising.

"This initiative not only addresses climate challenges but also provides youths with a means to earn a living," she said.

CYO is also focusing on irrigation farming techniques and cooperative formation to ensure that climate change challenges are mitigated through sustainable agricultural practices.

The project, which is being funded by IM Swedish Development Partners for Southern Africa, began in April and is expected to run for five years.

This year, CYO received K126 million for its implementation targeting two districts of Blantyre and Neno.