Chief Executive Officer for the Centre for Applied Systems Analysis (CASA), Steve Makungwa, has challenged people in the country to follow best practices in planting and taking care of trees in order to ensure their survival.
He made the call in Lilongwe during a tree planting exercise organised by CASA and the Lions Club of Lilongwe along the 4-kilometre stretch of the Lingadzi River, extending from Mtandire Bridge along Kaunda Road to Grass House Bridge on the M1 Road.
Makungwa added that restoration should start with planting the right tree seedlings like that which has been at nursery for two seasons.
“Our approach is rooted in evidence, continuous learning, and real-world impact. In practical terms, this means that we promote scientifically tested and locally adapted restoration techniques—covering species selection, site preparation, planting methods, and post-planting management—so that restoration efforts deliver durable ecological, social, and economic benefits,” he said.
President of Lions Club of Lilongwe Lion, Esther Mweso, encouraged people to plant more trees along riverbanks in order to protect rivers and land along the rivers.
Mweso said the environmental degradation and climate induced natural disasters should be a concern for people in the country to take action.
“The time is now. I encourage everyone to plant trees. We need more trees in our communities, along the rivers and almost everywhere people did cut trees. What we need as a nation is total restoration of the environment.” Mweso said.
CASA is currently focusing on a 4-kilometre stretch of the Lingadzi River, extending from Mtandire Bridge along Kaunda Road to Grass House Bridge on the M1 Road- a section represents one of the most degraded and high-risk river stretches in the city.
In 2017 this area was affected by devastating floods, when the Lingadzi River overtopped its banks and severely affected thousands of city residents, particularly in Mtandire and Area 47.
By Mwai Mtumodzi
