Dedza District Council chairperson Francis Chimpikizo has urged people in the district to restore forestry cover to mitigate the impact of climate change.

He said this on Monday when the district launched the 2022/23 tree-planting season at Chipalukwa Primary School in Traditional Authority Kasumbu.

“Many people are affected by natural disasters because there are no trees to protect their houses and crops from heavy rains and strong winds,” said Chimpikizo.

Children plant trees during the exercise

He said deforestation has contributed to soil erosion and land degradation which has affected crop production.

“This is why it is important for everyone to take part in this year’s tree-planting exercise to replenish the forestr cover we destroyed,” said Chimpikizo.

Dedza district commissioner Thomas Chigwenembe appealed to well-wishers to help the council with seedlings.

Dedza district forestry officer Violet Msukwa said they are focusing on trees that grow naturally.

“We are working with traditional leaders to enforce by-laws to protect natural vegetation from livestock and fires,” she said.

On her part, T/A Kasumbu said strong winds and floods suring the rainy season damage many houses in her area.

“I will work with my fellow leaders to sensitise communities to the importance of planting trees,” she said.

During the launch, the council planted 300 trees from the 10 000 donated by Standard Bank of Malawi.

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