We kick-started our 1-year project, “Promotion of Natural Tree Generation and Adoption of Cleaner Cooking Stoves,” with two inspiring community briefings last week at Mweyeye, T/A Mwalweni and Jalawe T/A Njikula in Rumphi district.
The sessions brought together 85 participants, including:
1. Headteachers and Health Surveillance Assistants, who shared insights on the project’s health and educational benefits.
2. Area Development Committee (ADC) Chair, Village Headmen, and Group Village Headmen, who emphasized the importance of community ownership.
3. Sub-Traditional Authority Njikula, who blessed the project and called for unity in achieving its goals.
4. Forest Guards and Village Natural Resource Management Committees (VNRMCs), who will play a key role in monitoring and protecting restored areas.
5. Youth Representatives, Women Groups, and People with Disabilities, whose voices and participation are central to the project’s success.
Our Executive Director, Chrispine Mchelenje, expressed his excitement and gratitude; “Seeing the community come together with such enthusiasm and commitment fills me with hope. This project is not just about trees or stoves, it’s about people. It’s about improving lives, protecting our environment, and building a sustainable future for generations to come. I am deeply moved by the energy and support we’ve received, and I know that together, we can achieve something truly transformative.”
This project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) – Small Grants Programme (SGP) and UNDP and implemented by Green Vision Environmental Organization, is more than just an environmental initiative, it’s a movement driven by the people, for the people.