High Hopes for Forest Restoration in Mzimba as Local Committees Receive Training
Hands-On Learning: VNRMC members engage in practical forest restoration techniques
Mzimba is witnessing a renewed focus on forest restoration as 68 members of Village Natural Resources Management Committees (VNRMCs) from villages surrounding Magogo Hill have undergone training on sustainable forest management.
The participants, representing six VNRMCs from Group Village Headmen (GVH) Aaron Makwakwa, Mthuzi Mithi, Chagaya Mkandawire, Chilombo Zgambo, Gundazichi, and Phillip Makwakwa, are now better equipped to manage and protect their local forests.
This training is a part of the Community Activation Natural Resource Management and Access to Social Infrastructure (CANARASI) Project, aimed at empowering natural resource committees to actively restore and sustainably manage their forests.
The initiative follows the recent formation and revitalization of 21 committees under the CANARASI project, including the establishment of 10 School Meals Program Committees across 10 schools and 11 VNRMCs focused on sustainable resource management.
Speaking after the training, GVH Gundazichi Zgambo expressed optimism, noting the positive impact it could have on local attitudes towards forest conservation.
“I am happy to be part of the training, and I will be at the forefront working with VNRMCs to ensure that Magogo Hill is conserved through regeneration and planting more trees,” Zgambo said.
He Added; “There is a need for every family to have woodlots that will support their construction and fuelwood needs.”
"I will be at the forefront working with VNRMCs to ensure that Magogo Hill is conserved"-GVH Gundazichi Zgambo
The CANARASI project is a three-year initiative designed to strengthen social infrastructure and promote sustainable resource management in communities surrounding the Vwaza Marsh National Park area. With this training, local leaders and community members are set to take proactive steps towards conserving their natural environment.