By Joel Phiri
Luwawa Environmental Trust has introduced a tree conservation competition among schools in Mzimba as a way of ensuring that tree seedlings which were donated to the schools by the Trust are planted and are taken care of.
The initiative comes amidst growing concerns that many tree seedlings donated to communities and schools do not survive due to lack of care.
In an interview on Tuesday, Administrative Manager for Luwawa Environmental Trust, Patrick Manyamba said the competition is aimed at instilling a sense of responsibility among learners in planting and conserving trees.
“We have always been donating tree seedlings to schools through the Luwawa Centre for Environmental Education, but the challenge has been the low survival rate of the tree seedlings; hence, this competition aims at encouraging learners to take ownership and care for the trees,” he said.
Manyamba explained that the competition will assess schools based on tree survival rates, maintenance practices and general environmental stewardship, with outstanding schools set to be rewarded.
According to Luwawa Centre for Environmental Education Projects Manager Hastings Chikoko, the Trust has planned to donate 10,000 tree seedlings to various schools and communities in the district during the 2026 Tree Planting Season.
“Our goal is to promote tree conservation around the Perekezi and Viphya forest reserves, where we operate the centre and host the Luwawa Forest Eco-Lodge,” said Chikoko.
Chikoko said apart from monetary prizes, schools which will do well in caring for trees and ensuring a higher survival rate will be provided with many tree seedlings.
In a separate interview, Mzimba Senior Forestry Officer Masozi Shaba welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely effort in combating deforestation and environmental degradation.
“We intend to plant seven million trees across the district during this year’s National Forestry Season,” said Shaba.
