Community members from group village(GVH) Kapalapata, Traditional Authority Timbiri in Nkhata Bay have moved to restore Makwezu Forest Reserve in the area.
The community members are planting new trees and regenerating others in their 4.5-hectare natural forest.
In an interview, GVH Kapalapata said the exercise seeks to restore the forest and nurture it for future generations.
He said: ”We want our grand children to taste the indigenous fruits and mushrooms.
”Besides , the natural forest will also mitigate the effects of climate change in the area.”
On his part, Kapalapata Village Natural Resources Management Committee chairperson Ison Kaunda said they involve women and youth to ensure ownership of the project.
Makwezu Youth Club chairperson Alice Kaunda said the forest reserve is a priceless treasure in the area.
”Although the initiative was championed by our parents. we know we are the actual beneficiaries,” she said.
Kaunda said the youth club has 12 beehives in the forest reserve and a 10 by 20 metres fish pond.
The community hopes to benefit from the Modern Cooking for Healthy Forest $1.7 million( about K1.3 billion) project championing landscape restoration in Malawi through capacity building and grants.
Source: The Nation_February 3, 2021_By Patrick Botha-Malawi News Agency