As many parts of the country continue to receive below-average rainfall, with prolonged sunny conditions prevailing, hope remains high as the long rains are expected to begin toward the end of March bringing renewed optimism for environmental conservation efforts. An environmental group, Environmentalists Care Action (ECA), based in Chemuche ward, Shivikhwa Sublocation, Malava Sub-County, has received a morale boost following a visit by Malava-based businessman and environmental enthusiast Phinote Malesi the group is led by Titus Shiketi . During his visit, Mr. Malesi supported the group’s tree-growing initiative by helping to water seedlings at their nursery and He shared evening tea with members of the group. The nursery currently holds 10,000 seedlings on land with the capacity to accommodate up to 50,000 trees. Mr. Malesi commended the youths for their dedication to environmental conservation and urged them to remain focused. He further advised the group to formally register as a Community-Based Organization (CBO) to enable members to access opportunities such as grants, loans and support from established non-governmental organizations as well as from both levels of government. Environmentalists Care Action is made up of 28 youths and plans to complete its registration by mid-year. The group aims to actively support and implement the presidential directive on environmental protection and conservation. The group’s chairperson has also appealed to well-wishers, donors and people of goodwill to support their initiative and help the youths fulfill their commitment to environmental protection through tree planting and conservation activities.

“We are growing gradually, and with time we believe we will become a strong and influential CBO, just like other successful organizations we admire,” said group leader Titus Shiketi.
Tree nurseries play a critical role in environmental conservation by ensuring a steady supply of seedlings for reforestation, combating climate change, restoring degraded land and improving biodiversity. Initiatives such as those undertaken by Environmentalists Care Action not only safeguard the environment but also empower young people to become active stewards of natural resources, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come