Nkhotakota District Council has reduced the number of trees to be planted during the 2025/2026 tree-planting season as part of efforts to ensure better care and survival of seedlings planted in the previous season.
The council officially launched the 2025/2026 tree-planting season on Thursday at Mbonekela Primary School in the area of Senior Chief Mwansambo, drawing participation from council officials, traditional leaders, schoolchildren, and community members.
District Forestry Officer, George Zibophe, says the district is targeting the planting of about 1.3 million tree seedlings this season, a reduction from the 1.5 million trees planted last year.
Zibophe explains that the decision to lower the target is deliberate, as the council is now prioritising the care and management of trees planted during the 2024/2025 season.
“Last year we planted about 1.5 million tree seedlings, and this season we decided to slightly reduce the number so that we can concentrate on taking care of the trees that were planted last season,” said Zibophe.
He adds that the launch was strategically held in the area to raise awareness on the importance of tree planting and environmental conservation, especially in areas experiencing high levels of deforestation.
Representing the District Commissioner, Director of Human Resource and Administration, Mathias Bluegam, said the council is committed to ensuring that trees are planted in all areas where deforestation has taken place.
Bluegam noted that protecting the environment remains a key priority for the council as part of efforts to minimise the effects of climate change in the district.
“Trees are very important to our daily lives. As a council, we want to ensure that communities are planting trees to help reduce the impact of natural disasters that we have experienced in recent rainy seasons,” he said.
Guest of honour and Nkhotakota District Council Chairperson, Councillor Filton Khofi, urged communities to take full ownership of the trees planted.
“Tree planting and protection is everyone’s responsibility. We must work together to protect our environment,” said Khofi.
Demonstrating commitment at the traditional leadership level, Senior Chief Mwadzama pledged to impose fines on anyone found cutting down trees in his area.
The event was held under the theme “Trees and forests for community resilience.”
