By Pauline Kaude
Minister of Natural Resources, Alfred Gangata has announced that this year’s Tree Planting Season will be launched on 16 January, 2026 at Mpata Primary School Ground in Phalombe District.
Briefing reporters in Lilongwe on Wednesday, the Minister said the launch will be held under the theme “Trees and Forests for Community Resilience.” He said the theme highlights the crucial role that trees and forests play in strengthening communities’ capacity to withstand climatic, environmental, economic, and social challenges.According to the Minister, Second Vice President, Enock Kamzingeni Chihana will preside over the launch. He said a total of 41 million trees have been targeted to be planted this year.
“Trees and forests are crucial for our resilience. They provide food, medicine, shelter, and income, and help us adapt to climate change.
The recent damage to important infrastructure such as homes, roads, bridges and schools due to heavy rains, floods and strong wind is a reminder that we cannot continue to over-exploit trees and forests,” he said.
The Minister expressed concern that the country’s forests are rapidly disappearing due to deforestation and urged all stakeholders including development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the general public, to work together in planting and protecting trees and forests.
