Forestry, communities sign co-management agreements on Namizimu and Phirilongwe reserves

Local communities working in partnership with forestry department have signed co-management agreements to manage Namizimu and Phirilongwe forest reserves with support from MWASIP

The high table captured during the signing ceremony of co-management agreement at Chindamba ground in Mangochi. (Left to Right) Senior Chief Sultan Chowe in brown suit, Victor Lusaka, Principal Forestry Officer, Forestry Research Institute of Malawi and Enford Kanyimbo, Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mangochi District Council (Photos: Citizen Journalist)

MANGOCHI, Malawi (Planet Defence) - Sultan Senior Chief Chowe, a natural resource management champion and other local influencers shored-up at the signing ceremony of the co-management agreements of Namizimu and Phirilongwe Forests Reserves by forestry department and surrounding communities held at Chindamba ground in Mangochi district.

The two reserves forms part of the catchment and watershed management area of Lake Malawi, they contribute to the lake hydrology by supporting the aquatic ecosystem that is home to over 1,000 species of fish.

The reserves also fall within the implementation plan of the World Bank funded Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP) that aims to scale up catchment rehabilitation especially landscape restoration.

“Through the Strategic Forest Areas Plans, two forest reserves will be co-managed in line with shared roles with surrounding communities through an agreement that was signed today,” said Leonard Kamangadazi, District Forestry Officer for Mangochi who convened the meeting after the signing in ceremony.

Part of the community members to be involved in the co-management of the Namizimu and Phirilongwe Forest Reserves

As champion, Senior Chief Chowe who has participated in such efforts towards natural resources management before took advantage of the forestry co-management signing ceremony to amplify the connection between catchment management and the lake resources existence.

He reminded the fisher folk community about the link between catchment conservation and how it relates to the sustainability of the fish resources. He urged fishing communities to use acceptable gear and adhere to close breeding regulations in-line with the law.  

This said the chief, will ensure sustainable ecosystem-based fisheries management.

Other notable personalities present included Victor Lusaka, Principal Forestry Officer based at the Forestry Research Institute of Malawi in Zomba, Enford Kanyimbo, Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mangochi district council and Sub-Traditional Authority Mambo.

The all corroborated with the remarks made the senior chief during the event.

The Mangochi shoreline provides employment opportunity for thousands of people involved in various allied industries in the fish value chain.