Malawi President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera opened the inaugural National Chiefs’ Forum on Natural Resources Management at the Botanic Gardens in the capital city of Lilongwe on Thursday.
During the event, Chakwera highlighted the significance of the Forum, emphasizing its crucial role in preserving the ecosystem. He noted that this initiative arrives as a timely measure to safeguard the environment, which has been vulnerable to negative influences within the community for many years.
Chakwera commended the decision to involve chiefs as primary figures in the conservation of land, forests, and natural resources. He highlighted the value of their cultural and traditional leadership in maintaining discipline and promoting optimal practices within communities.
The President expressed his confidence that, with the active participation of chiefs, the nation will be able to counter the kind of environmental damage that has led to a 17 percent reduction in forest cover over the last two decades.
“I have presided over the first National Chiefs Forum on Integrated Natural Resources Management and Transition to Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods in Malawi.
“As government, we will collaboratively provide necessary support to all chieftaincy structures across the country as they undertake this commendable task in collaboration with development partners,” said President Chakwera.
The Chiefs’ Forum is championed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, in conjunction with partners such as the USAID-funded AFIDEP-led BUILD project.
This endeavor aligns harmoniously with President Chakwera’s developmental agenda, where chiefs constitute an integral facet through which the government can effectively advance progress.
Since assuming office, Dr. Chakwera has advocated for the appropriate engagement of chiefs by the government, recognizing their influence in addressing societal matters within communities.
This marks a significant departure from the practices of previous administrations, which manipulated chiefs into supporting misguided agendas.
In attendance at the event were Vice President Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, members of the cabinet, district commissioners, traditional leaders, representatives from development partners, and members of the general public.
