By Alexander Tchongwe

Mzimba, January 9, Mana: Country Director for Ripple Africa, Force Ngwira, has said that his organization plans to invest K3 Billion for planting 3 million tree seedlings in Mzimba district.

Ngwira was speaking Wednesday in Mzimba during the district’s executive committee meeting when he briefed stakeholders on projects which the organization is implementing in the district.

“We conducted a research last year which indicated that there is rampant deforestation in Mzimba, hence we started planting trees since last year to address the challenge.

Our goal is to plant 3 million tree seedlings in Mzimba within three years and budget of K3 billion has been allocated for the initiative," Ngwira said.

He added that environmental conservation is a long-term process that requires community sustained civic education and behavioral change.

"Such problems cannot be addressed within a year or two. We need sufficient time to civic educate people and raise awareness to bring about meaningful achievements in environmental management," he added. 

Principal Environmental Officer for M’mbelwa District Council, James Pelani, commended Ripple Africa for the project, saying it will go a long way in responding to climate change related issues.

 "This initiative is timely, especially when the country is grappling with the effects of climate change emanating from deforestation among other malpractices. Efforts like this," said Pelani. 

M'mbelwa District Council Public Relations Officer, Joel Phiri, said that the initiative, complements the council's efforts in environmental conservation.