Forestry authorities at Khonsolo in Mzimba district have praised the efforts of Total Land Care, YONECO and International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) for their commitment to fostering collaboration with stakeholders in the implementation of Sustainable Land Management (SAMALA) Project.
Senior Forest Guard Edwin Chipeta explained that the approach taken by the organizations was one of accountability and ownership, and expressed his confidence that the project would be beneficial to environmental conservation in the area.
The Senior Forest Guard for Khonsolo area, Edwin Chipeta, expressed his optimism that the various activities under the project will enhance environmental conservation efforts in the area.
Chipeta further explained that the consortium has put all the stakeholders at the centre of implementation, a thing which he said is enhancing ownership and accountability.
“We are satisfied with the commitment and collaborative efforts which the organizations that are implementing SAMALA Project have been showing since the day the project was introduced in this area. It is time for various government departments, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and community members to work together in order to restore the ecosystem,” explained Chipeta at a function where SAMALA Project donated bamboos to community members.
Bamboos offer extensive benefits to humans and the environment hence they were distributed to the community members. Bamboos are a versatile and renewable resource that can be used in construction, handicrafts, production of furniture and others thereby protecting first trees which take some years to grow and mature.
SAMALA Project is being implemented with funding from Irish Aid and the Government of Flanders. The central objective of SAMALA Project is to contribute to the restoration of degraded landscapes to support sustainable livelihoods in Mzimba, Kasungu, Ntchisi and Dowa.
