Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani V of Ntcheu on Saturday rewarded some Maseko Ngoni chiefs for their role in conserving the environment. Presenting the awards to four chiefs, Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani V said he came up with the awards to encourage chiefs to take a leading role in conserving the environment. He presented the awards during the Umhlangano wa Maseko Ngoni cultural festival at Mkolimbo Village, Traditional Authority Kwataine in Ntcheu, “There has been massive depletion of forests in some parts of the country. That is why I decided to establish a rewarding system to chiefs who do well in nature conservation,” he said. Inkosi Kachindamoto of Dedza scooped first position for planting 172 985 trees in her jurisdiction. She went away with a cow. Inkosi Ganya of Ntcheu came second for planting 142 897 trees. He went away with two sheep and two goats. The third prize went to Inkosi Kamenyagwaza of Dedza who was given a sheep and two goats. The last prize of three goats went to Inkose Kanduku of Mwanza. Senior Chief Kachindamoto said she was happy to see that her efforts are being recognised by higher authorities.