MOVING ON - Stakeholders assure full support to restoration initiative in Chiradzulu district
Chiradzulu Mountain restoration initiative is actively reclaiming gullies caused by Cyclone Freddy through the construction of check dams and stone bunds. Effort also involves landscape restoration.
CHIRADZULU, Malawi (Planet Defence) - Chiradzulu district stakeholders have pledged unwavering support for Charles Mkoka, the recently appointed Executive Director of the Coordination for the Rehabilitation of Environment (CURE). This commitment was expressed during site visits and consultations with the council and project stakeholders in the district on Thursday writes Precious Chimkonde.
Welcoming CURE's new Director, District Forestry Officer (DFO) Acklie Chimgonda assured him that his office would continue to provide technical support for the restoration of Chiradzulu mountain as part of the national landscape initiative.
"My office has been working closely with CURE, especially in the ongoing IKI Small Grants funded project, from project design to planning and implementation. We look forward to strengthening these collaborations with the new director in place," said Chimgonda.
In line with the DFO, Group Village Heads Nkupu and Dokotala, during separate site meetings, affirmed their communities' commitment to working with CURE. They pledged to channel the same energy to ensure the success of the Restoration of Chiradzulu Forest Reserve project implemented in their areas.
Group Village Dokotala under Traditional Authority acknowledged the efforts of the outgoing director, Reginald Mumba, who provided relentless technical support and expertise to his subjects.
“I want each and every member of my committee to ensure that he plants ten trees at your personal woodlot. You have seen me; I have planted my trees because with these trees planted, I won’t go back to the mountain. I also expect you to do the same. If you don’t, then you are not eligible to be a member of my village committee,” the chief emphasized.
Similarly, Group Village Headwoman Nkupu mentioned that communities were expecting proceeds from the work done on the check dams. "We are hoping the resources will help us cushion food challenges in this lean period."
Through these engagements, the new Executive Director had the opportunity to gauge the level of stakeholder involvement and witness on-site progress in the project, including the establishment of tree nurseries, construction of check dams, and the implementation of stone bunds in response to the effects of Cyclone Freddy. CURE initiated the project in August 2023 in the district.
CURE initiated the project in August 2023 in the district with support from the International Climate Initiative (IKI) small grants programme of the German Federal Government.