At least 660,856 tree seedlings have been planted in the recently ended 2024/2025 National Forestry Season in Chiradzulu, according to preliminary statistics.
The season, which runs from December to April nationwide, accords people an opportunity to plant trees in a quest to preserve nature.
According to the District Forestry Officer for Chiradzulu, Acklie Chimgonda, initially they wanted to plant 2,323,406 seedlings, but due to financial challenges, they have failed to reach the target.
Chimgonda said, with stakeholders like One Acre Fund, Cure, Water for People, Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme and Village Natural Resources Management Committees, they have managed to conduct the exercise in schools, mountains, along river banks, Forest reserves, crop fields and around people’s homes.
“Sixty five percent of these seedlings will survive because we have committed people who guard natural resources passionately,” he said, adding that final statistics of the total planted tree seedlings will be released once One Acre Fund submits its report to his office.
Meanwhile, Mustafa Witinesi, Chairman of Balakasi Natural Resources Management Committee in the area of Traditional Authority Ntchema, said they will continue planting and caring for the seedlings till they fully grow.
However, Witinesi cited a lack of working tools such as gumboots, panga knives and hoes, as some factors hindering their efforts. He therefore appealed to well-wishers for assistance.
By Chrissie Mainjeni, Chiradzulu
