By Chisomo Phiri
On Tuesday March 6, 2021, Minister of Forestry and Natural Resources, Nancy Tembo, MP and Dr. Michael Usi minister responsible for Tourism, Culture and Wildlife toured Ntchisi forestry reserve.
During the tour, the two ministers had an in-depth interaction with the community members taking part in the conservation of rain forests in the country.
However, the Ministers also commended one cup one tree initiative that is initiated by the German government where coffee customers across the designated restaurants in Germany contribute 10 Cents each towards the management of the reserve.
” We are thankful to Germany government for this one cup one tree initiative that is keeping this forest reserve alive. Without the initiative, we couldn’t see the forest reaching this stage, keep doing the great job”, Thanked Tembo.
The coffee served is grown and processed locally by the communities surrounding the forest reserve with support from Germany government.
In his remarks, the Germany ambassador to Malawi Jurgen Borsch said the initiative has already started bearing by supporting afforestation interventions involving communities surrounding the reserve.
” The beauty of this forest reserve is an indication that the initiative one cup one tree has now started bearing fruits that in turn will help people from the communities surrounding the reserve. We looking forward into embarking on more initiatives towards the restoration of forests in Malawi”, Said Borsch.
Over 150, 000 assorted trees spices have been planted in the district through the initiative, one cup one tree being coordinated by Ntchisi Forest Lodge.
