By Martin Chiwanda

Machinga, August 29, Mana: Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change says traditional leaders are critical stakeholders in conserving and restoring natural resources within their communities because they are highly respected and capable of enforcing by laws.

Principal Secretary in the ministry, Richard Pelekamoyo made the remarks in Balaka when traditional leaders from seven districts were signing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change to prepare a climate resilient future for generations in their respective areas.

Pelekamoyo said there was need for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to address   effects of climate change, which has negatively impacted Malawi in various aspects.

He added that chiefs are critical stakeholders whose influence and powers can help in conserving and restoring natural resources, promoting sustainable agriculture and other means of sustaining livelihood within their communities.

“Chiefs play vital role in protecting natural resources because they are respected by their subjects. They have powerful voice, very crucial in natural resources management,

 “Their authority and influence enable them to mobilize support for effective governance and sustainable practices,” he added.

Senior Chief Makanjira of Mangochi and Traditional Authority (TA) Nkula of Machinga applauded government for recognizing the role traditional authorities play in natural resources conservation.

Makanjira pledged total commitment to enforce by laws that are meant to help conserving natural resources in his area.

On the other hand, TA Nkula said he will enforce the already formulated by-lays in his area to ensure that forests and other natural resources are protected for the benefit of present and future generations.

The signing of MOU between Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change and the chiefs as initiative to conserve natural resources was an activity by Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Programme (MWASIP) funded by the World Bank.

The chiefs that came for the signing of MOU were from Machinga, Neno, Balaka, Blantyre, Zomba, Ntcheu and Mangochi.