By Solister Mogha

Zomba, September 19, Mana: Different stakeholders in Zomba have agreed to take a decisive step towards protecting Zomba and Malosa forest reserves which are under threat from encroachment.

The two forest reserves are being encroached as well as being attacked through charcoal production and illegal harvesting.

Speaking during a stakeholder meeting held at Malosa in Zomba, Assistant Forestry Manager for the Eastern Region, Blandina Manda said the rate at which people are encroaching on the two forest reserves and illegally harvesting pine trees posed a big threat to the district and the country at large.

Manda said despite efforts by the forestry department, the problem continues to grow and getting out of hand.

“People no longer worry about the effects of depleting the two forest reserves. However, our concern is that, due to climate change, we might face another calamity like that of Mulanje,” she said.

Manda, therefore, appealed for concerted efforts to arrest the problem.

First Grade Magistrate for Domasi Court, Eric Mchosa promised to give stiffer punishment to charcoal producers and everyone involved in the illegal harvesting of the forestry products in the two reserves.

Mchosa said having given a fine to some offenders, the practice continues and change seems inevitable.

“I am concerned as well and let me promise that from now onwards, I will not give lenient punishment,” Mchosa said.

On his part, Senior Chief Malemia pledged to deal with chiefs who are allowing people to settle in illegal and reserved places.

He said he would use his authority to evict all those who are farming and settling in reserved places.

“It is about time that we protected the two forest reserves,” he added.

During the meeting, stakeholders agreed to also work with cooperatives managing the forest and collectively deal with charcoal producers, encroachers and illegal forest timber producers.