Malawians and stakeholders in the environmental sector gathered on Friday at Neno Community Ground to jointly commemorate the International Day of Biological Diversity and World Environment Day.
The event, themed “Our Land, Our Future,” called for concerted efforts towards land restoration, addressing desertification, and enhancing drought resilience amidst the effects of climate change.
Dr. Richard Perekamoyo, Principal Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, presided over the event. Activities began with a solidarity walk from Neno Police to the district’s community ground, involving learners, police officers, and non-state actors. Upon arrival, Dr. Perekamoyo toured pavilions displayed by various institutions in the sector.
The Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE) showcased landscape restoration success stories in Chiradzulu district, supported by the International Climate Initiative.
These efforts are contributing to environmental conservation and building resilience among grassroots communities. The event also featured live performances, including cultural dances, dramas, and poetry by students, all relating to the event’s theme.
In his remarks, Dr. Perekamoyo stressed the importance of collective action in land restoration and environmental conservation.
“What we have witnessed in the pavilions justifies that it is possible to recover and restore the environment if we collectively work together to make that difference,” he said.
Notable attendees included Rosemary Nawasha, District Commissioner for Neno; Thoko Tembo, Parliamentarian for the area; Robert Kafakoma, Board Chairperson of the Malawi Environment Protection Authority; and Ben Yassin, Deputy Director of the Environmental Affairs Department and representative from non state actors.
Others included council officials, police, learners and the local leadership.
The International Day of Biological Diversity is celebrated on May 22, while World Environment Day is observed globally on June 5 as sanctioned by the United Nations.
