04/04/2025
MANYINGA DISTRICT CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS.
By Joseph Kamawu
Manyinga District in North-Western Province, Zambia, joined the global community in commemorating International Day of Forests (IDF) today at Chiveva Primary School.
Although the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as the official IDF in 2012, the district celebrated it today.
Speaking during the event, Manyinga District Commissioner, Ms. Brenda Chipango Mukwakwa, said that the day is crucial in highlighting the significance of forests in supporting livelihoods, food security, and nutrition.
Ms. Mukwakwa emphasized that forests play a vital role in mitigating climate change by restoring carbon and supporting soil fertility, water sources, and biodiversity.
She noted that this year's IDF theme, "Forests and Food," is particularly relevant given the prolonged dry spell experienced in the 2023-2024 farming season, which led to food insecurity in the country.
The commissioner urged local communities to refrain from cutting down trees, especially during caterpillar harvesting, and instead adopt sustainable forest management practices.
Earlier, Manyinga District Forestry Officer, Shadrick Bwalya, echoed Ms. Mukwakwa's sentiments, stressing the importance of trees in supporting people's livelihoods.
Mr Bwalya called on both the community and his office to take proactive roles in planting back trees and promoting sustainable forest management.
And Loloma Ward Councillor who is also Manyinga Town Council Deputy Chairperson, Ms. Doris Ding'ombi, has expressed her gratitude to the organizers for hosting the International Day of Forests event in her ward.
Ms Ding'ombi emphasized the significance of this global celebration, stating that it raises awareness about the vital importance of trees and encourages community participation in tree-planting initiatives.
She remarks underscored the need for collective action in preserving forests and promoting sustainable environmental practices.
In a show of appreciation, Senior Chief Sikufele's Chiefdom Headman, Vilembuluka, thanked the government for initiating the Plant a Tree program, which aims to beautify surroundings and promote environmental conservation.
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