Opportunity International has supported Tiyovwane Women’s Group to plant trees in Senior Chief Fukamapiri in Nkhata Bay in a bid to protect the environment.

Speaking on Saturday during the tree-planting exercise, the organisation’s field officer Vitumbiko Lungu said it was important to plant trees because they help in a number of ways, including protecting the soil from erosion.

A woman plants a tree

“However, I ask the women to take care of the trees,” she said.

Tiyovwane Women’s Group member Martha Phiri said she felt duty-bound to plant trees to replenish the lost vegetative cover in the area.

“These trees will benefit my children and the generation after. I wish there was a law to ensure any person who cuts a tree should replace it with two trees. That way the environment will be protected,” she said.

Senior Chief Fukamapiri commended the women for taking a leading role in planting trees.

“I am proud of the women who have gone beyond transacting in village savings and loans [VSL] activities to plant trees,” he said.

The chief condemned men who discourage their wives from participating in VSL activities and engaging in small-scale businesses.

The women planted 200 hundred tree seedlings.

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