The Second Vice President of the Republic of Malawi on Tuesday officially launched the 2025/2026 National Tree Planting Season in Phalombe District, calling on Malawians to take collective responsibility for restoring forests and safeguarding the country’s environment for future generations.

The colourful ceremony, attended by government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, students and local communities, marked the start of a nationwide campaign aimed at increasing forest cover, protecting water catchments and strengthening resilience to climate change. Speaking at the event, the Vice President emphasized that tree planting is not only an environmental obligation but also a key pillar for national development, food security and disaster risk reduction.

He noted that Malawi continues to face serious environmental challenges, including deforestation, land degradation and climate-related disasters such as floods and droughts. The National Tree Planting Season, he said, provides an opportunity for citizens at all levels  from households and schools to institutions and private sector players to contribute to environmental restoration through tree planting and sustainable forest management.

The Second Vice President also commended communities in Phalombe for their active participation in forestry and conservation initiatives, urging them to ensure that planted trees are well cared for so they can grow and deliver long-term benefits. He further encouraged young people to take a leading role in environmental stewardship, describing them as key agents of change in the fight against climate change.

The National Tree Planting Season runs during the rainy period and focuses not only on planting new trees, but also on protecting existing forests and promoting natural regeneration. The initiative aligns with Malawi’s broader national and international commitments on climate action, biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use.

Beyond Phalombe, partners are playing a critical role in supporting Malawi’s forestry agenda in key landscapes across the country. Among them is WeForest, an international non-profit organisation actively involved in forest landscape restoration and co-management of the Mulanje Massif, one of Malawi’s most important ecological and biodiversity areas.

The Mulanje Massif is home to unique montane and miombo forests, as well as the endangered Mulanje cedar, Malawi’s national tree. Years of deforestation, illegal logging and frequent fires have placed significant pressure on this fragile ecosystem. In response, WeForest is working closely with government forestry authorities and surrounding communities to restore degraded forest areas and strengthen sustainable management.

WeForest’s work in the Mulanje Massif includes tree planting using indigenous species, assisted natural regeneration, fire management, and the establishment of community forest management structures. Through these interventions, local communities are empowered to take part in protecting forests while benefiting from sustainable livelihood options linked to restoration activities.

The organisation also supports tree nurseries, environmental education and alternative income opportunities to reduce dependence on forest exploitation. These efforts contribute directly to the objectives of the National Tree Planting Season by ensuring that restoration goes beyond planting trees to building long-term ecological and social resilience.

As Malawi embarks on another tree planting season, the message from Phalombe was clear: restoring forests is a shared responsibility. With strong political leadership, active community participation and support from organisations such as WeForest, the country continues to move towards a greener, more resilient future.