The Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE), in collaboration with its members and the private sector, led an advocacy campaign on the Urban Green Spaces Initiative and Outreach in Blantyre last Saturday.
Drawing from the lessons learnt from the devastation and mayhem caused by cyclone Freddy last year, CURE and its partners are presenting a compelling case for Blantyre’s environmental preservation as pressure mounts on the only remaining urban green spaces.
Analysts have argued that these green spaces serve as biodiversity corridors, providing habitats for pollinators within urban gardens.
Oswald Bonongwe, Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi Programme Officer emphasized the importance of conserving them in an interview.”
Njamba Park and Michiru Nature Sanctuary took center stage during the street march event, which was presided by the city’s Mayor Wild Ndipo.
Maynard Nyirenda emphasized the importance of respecting the sensitivity of the site designated as urban green spaces rather than proceeding with plans to construct a stadium. He proposed that it would be more beneficial to manage the site as a park dedicated to recreation for urban residents.
Our objective is to present a compelling argument advocating for the preservation of the park for recreational purposes and to ensure it is appropriately managed, including the provision of sanitation facilities, in contrast to its current neglected state.
Some Mahogany species were also planted at the site, only to be watered by a heavy downpour after weeks of a prolonged dry spell in the commercial capital.
The event attracted residents, non-state actors, service providers such as the Blantyre Water Board, private sector entities like Automotive Products Limited, and members of the media.
This diverse gathering underscores the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development in Blantyre.
