Deforestation and Charcoal Burning in Dzalanyama
The Department of Forestry says deforestation and charcoal burning has escalated in Dzalanyama forest reserve since Malawi defence force soldiers stopped conducting patrols in the reserve. Deputy Director of Forestry Francis Chilimampunga has told Zodiak that, one effective forest patrol for a week cost K10 million for fuel, allowances and other logistical requirements . Chilimampunga said, the department through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change is planning to request MDF to open their own camps in Dzalanyama for sustainable management of the reserve. He said currently, less than 30 forest guards are manning 98,000 hectares of Dzalanyama forest reserve against a requirement of over 500 forest guards.