President Lazarus Chakwera has bemoaned lawlessness and corruption in the management of forest resources.
Chakwera was speaking in Lilongwe yesterday at the National Chiefs Forum on Forest Landscape Restoration Governance in Malawi that took place at Botanic Gardens.
He said it is disheartening to see the unsustainable plunder of forest resources in the country’s remaining forested landscapes.
He expressed concern that culprits face no consequences despite the availability of the law.
“Lawlessness and corruption in forest management must be stopped and it cannot be stopped by government alone. We need our chiefs to help cultivate a responsible and engaged citizenry that commits to taking care of the land and forests.
Every Malawian and resident needs to urgently change attitude and behavior.
“Chiefs have been respected in our society since time in memorial. I therefore trust that the fact that this call for action has been developed by yourselves has empowered you to take forest resources to greater heights,” Chakwera said.
He said traditional leaders can play a key role in forest governance and also ensuring the enforcement of mechanisms, processes, institutions, rules and regulations for sustainable forest management.
“I am pleased that Malawian chiefs, who are our parents, are committed to the restoration of order and the arrest of lawlessness in forest management,” Chakwera said.
The President further said his administration has decided to bring on board the Chiefs Forum to enhance traditional leaders’ involvement and leadership in the management of land, forests and natural resources.
He called on traditional leaders to remain committed in the protection of natural resources, saying future generations are relying on them to conserve what is left of the country’s natural resources.
“I am very optimistic that this call to action, coupled with the powerful voice that you possess and the respect you command among the people, you will be able to implement and fulfil this noble task. The task you have is doubtless enormous. It is no secret that our country has lost most of its trees and forests. We need to reverse this situation,” Chakwera said.
Representing the chiefs, Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani V said traditional leaders have, after signing an agreement, committed to protect the country’s natural resources.
“We, as traditional leaders, have committed to promote better methods of farming and the protection of our forest landscapes. We will also work together to ensure that our rivers and lakes are taken care of. We have also made a commitment to ensure that our wildlife is protected and many more,” he said.
The Chiefs’ Forum partner, African Institute for Development
Policy said, through its executive director Eliya Zulu, has described the coming in of traditional leaders in the protection of natural resources as a milestone towards the creation of a safe environment.
“With the coming in of the chiefs, there is a big chance that we are going to see action on the ground since the chiefs are respected by the people,” Zulu said.
The chiefs signed the agreement with President Lazarus Chakwera, who represented the government.
Natural Resources Minister Michael Usi was part of the occasion.
