Malawi is losing one of its strongest shields against disasters as pressure on its forests continues to grow.
Natural Resources Minister Patricia Wiskes has warned that rampant tree cutting and forest encroachment are weakening the country’s natural protection, as government moves to tighten enforcement against illegal logging.
Wiskes issued the warning during an impromptu visit to Nanchidwa Forest Plantation in Mulanje District, following an anonymous tip about alleged excessive illegal activities, including encroachment and illegal logging in the plantation.
The Minister said the destruction of forest cover is a national concern and is not confined to Nanchidwa, despite Malawi having laws and policies aimed at protecting forests.
She said weak enforcement and other challenges have allowed forest destruction to continue, undermining government efforts to restore the country’s forests.
“The purpose of this visit is to find a practical solution towards these malpractices that continue to undermine reafforestation efforts that the Ministry has been undertaking,” said Wiskes.
She said the Ministry will now focus on enforcing forestry laws at the source to prevent trees from being cut down, rather than relying mainly on confiscating illegally obtained forest products after the damage has already been done.
“The direction that the Ministry is taking is to strongly enforce these laws that will protect trees at source, before they are cut down. Otherwise, confiscation is mere firefighting after deforestation has already happened,” she said.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Dr Misheck Yagontha Munthali, said the widespread presence of charcoal along the country’s major roads was evidence of the scale of deforestation and called for stronger action to address the problem.
Mulanje District Commissioner Chriss Nawata said the council would continue working with the Forestry Department and surrounding communities to curb deforestation and support conservation efforts in the district.
Nanchidwa Forest Plantation was established in the 1980s but was heavily damaged by Cyclone Freddy. Authorities say restoring the plantation is important for protecting the environment and securing the livelihoods and wellbeing of communities surrounding the forest.
