Minister Urges Malawi Environment Protection Authority to Scale Up Efforts in Protecting Environment

Malawi - Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Michael Usi, has called on the Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) to intensify its efforts in managing and protecting the environment in the country, writes Moses Nyirenda.

He made the remarks during a sensitization breakfast on MEPA's roles and responsibilities held in Lilongwe on Friday.

Usi emphasized that effective management of the environment could have mitigated the impact of natural disasters, such as cyclones, which have hit the country in the past.

"If we pose just for a moment and think about all the possible things that we could have done better to conserve the environment as a nation and the impacts of the natural disasters which once happened in the country such as cyclones could have been less severe and some of the impacts could have been averted," Usi said.

He called on MEPA to take serious measures in conserving the environment to help mitigate issues of natural disasters in the country.

He also urged civil society organizations (CSOs) and journalists to join in protecting the environment.

"We recognize protecting the environment cannot be done by one institution alone. It requires concerted efforts of all stakeholders including the media and CSO partners," Usi said.

Usi further expressed concern about individuals and groups that oppose government decisions on environmental management for their own profit. He warned that the government would not tolerate such actions as they put the lives of Malawians in danger.

"It is disheartening and demoralizing to see some groups and individuals fighting the government decisions on environmental management just for business or profit gains. Let me sound a warning to them that they are putting lives of Malawians in danger and the government will not sit idle and watch this happening forever. The government will do all it can to protect its people," Usi said.

Dr. Robert Kafakoma, MEPA Board of Governors Chairperson, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to coming up with strong measures to manage and protect the environment in the country.

He said that the roadmap for managing and protecting the environment includes measures to raise awareness and engage the media and other stakeholders in environmental issues.

The call to protect the environment is timely, given the increasing frequency of natural disasters in Malawi.

It is hoped that the government, MEPA, CSOs, and media will work together to mitigate the impact of these disasters on the environment and the people of Malawi.