Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Michael Usi has emphasized that Improved local governance key effective conservation and restoration of natural resources and restoration of land and forests.
He was speaking in Lilongwe Thursday during the first National Chiefs Forum, held under the theme “Improving governance for effective conservation and restoration of land and forests”.
“Forests and Land degradation remain the greatest challenge globally. The impacts of forest land degradation range from food insecurity, biodiversity loss, energy loss, water unavailability and poverty in general. It is threatening the very existence of the human population on the planet earth. The need to restore degraded forests land is no longer optional but obligatory.
“Malawi continues experience the negative impacts of land degradation, deforestation and forest degradation caused by excessive cutting of trees for charcoal and firewood. These include floods, droughts, river siltation resulting into blackouts and less food production. Memories are still fresh on the devastating effects of cyclone Freddy that resulted in loss of life.
“The role of chiefs on the management of trees and forests cannot be overemphasized, particularly on trees and forests on customary land. The decentralisation policy in particular empowers chiefs as custodian of any development agenda at local level. Considering the significant contribution that chiefs’ leadership can provide in natural resource governance, Malawi has placed chiefs as key stakeholders in its technical and governance blue prints as highlighted in policy documents and strategies in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change,” he said
Usi said the hosting of the forum comes at the right time when Malawi as a country has committed to restore 4.5 million hectares under the Bonn and AFR100 by 2030.
United Nations Resident coordinator Rebecca Adda-Dontoh said Malawi offers a unique case in that traditional leadership and formal governance leadership operate alongside each other.
“Malawi is endowed with a diversified natural resource base, including fertile soils for agricultural use, forest resources, abundant water resources, and mountains.
“However, these are subject to increasing pressure and climatic shocks resulting in increased degradation of the environment, with significant loss of soil fertility, soil erosion, serious deforestation, water depletion, pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
“Climate change also continues to exacerbate many social and environmental risk factors for mental health. Exposure to extreme weather events, displacement, famine, malnutrition, anxiety, and distress associated with climate change are all contributing to mental health issues. Subsequently, it is time for us traditional leaders to make an impact. We do not have to wait for the future; we need to create it right now.
“It bears mentioning that no single environmental leader can take on the challenge of climate change alone. It is therefore important that there is cooperation among many leaders. Traditional leadership positively contributes immensely to the social and political spheres, justice and security provision, and dispute resolution. That role needs to be strengthened in monitoring, shaping, and implementing community projects and regulating participation in environmental conservation and sustainable natural resource management to benefit the agricultural system,” she said
Adda-Dontoh further said at the local and district levels, the United Nations is working collaboratively with communities and local councils to implement projects that address climate change. An example of the UN’s efforts is the UNDP-supported green corps.
“The Malawi Green Corps responds to urgent environmental degradation by imploring effective environmental management measures in rehabilitated hotspots while simultaneously upskilling and mentoring youth to take up or create green jobs.
“The upcoming United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDF) for 2024-2028 will also focus on integrating climate action and sustainable development, ensuring that our efforts are aligned with global agendas like the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Adda-Dontoh
She further as UN we are ready to support community dialogues that create greater opportunities for everyday participation by women and youths in conserving the environment.
