By Wendy Mkandawire
The Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) has raised alarm over rampant illegal gold mining in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, saying the activity is causing deforestation, land degradation and pollution of a key river that supplies water to surrounding communities.
WESM Dwangwa Branch Manager Rasheed Malandula said the miners dig pits that trap wild animals and use chemicals that contaminate water sources.
Malandula disclosed that scores of people are entering the reserve for mining daily, with arrests being made by patrol teams every day.
He said WESM is engaging communities through wildlife clubs, forest clubs and water borehole management committees on the dangers of the malpractice.
Malandula cautioned against using poverty as an excuse to destroy natural resources, urging government and partners to provide alternative livelihoods.
He said WESM is collaborating with institutions that provide business loans to promote small-scale businesses as a way of reducing poverty and curbing illegal mining in the area.
