By Alex Mlanga

Blantyre, November 26, Mana: Blantyre District Council, Forestry Officer (DFO), Noel Moyo says the council, through the forest sector is expected to plant over 1.1 million trees seedlings during this year’s forestry season.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Moyo said the exercise will begin mid-December and ends mid-April 2025.

He added that despite some challenges, such as droughts, the past forestry seasons had been successful.

‘’We had drought which affected us but at least 65% to 70% of the seedlings we planted last season survived,’’ said Moyo.

The DFO expressed optimism that this year’s tree planting season will be more successful due to good rains and he encouraged communities to work with the forestry extension staff in their respective areas during the forestry season.

Communities are expected to plant tree seedlings in their homes, farmlands and other areas that require afforestation to ensure vegetative cover.

Executive Director of Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE) Charles Mkoka said community participation in forestry season was a good initiative in helping to conserve the environment, address issues of land degradation and promote biodiversity.

He added that afforestation also improves ground water recharge, regulate water flow in rivers and reduce the risk of floods.

‘’By planting million trees, this initiative aligns with global climate actions goals, contributing to carbon neutrality and sustainable development for Blantyre District,’’ said Mkoka.

Blantyre District Council planted one million trees in the 2023/2024 forestry season which started on December 15 to April 15 per the forestry calendar.