{"id":2287,"date":"2020-08-29T10:09:04","date_gmt":"2020-08-29T10:09:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/svtp.gov.mw\/?p=2287"},"modified":"2020-08-29T10:09:04","modified_gmt":"2020-08-29T10:09:04","slug":"svtp-gives-a-boost-to-lengwe-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/svtp1788.live-website.com\/?p=2287","title":{"rendered":"SVTP gives a boost to Lengwe National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture Dr. Michael Usi has said there is need for more support to boost reforms currently underway in the natural resources and wildlife sector.  Dr. Usi was speaking during the handover ceremony of assorted field equipment and uniforms to Lengwe National Park in Chikwawa by the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP).  The Programme presented uniforms, tents, ranger hats, boots and GPS Trackers among others.  SVTP Community Development Specialist, Dr. Stanley Khaila presented the items on behalf of the Programme. The items are to the tune of Seventy Million Kwacha (MK70 million).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Programme through its Natural Resource Management (NRM) sub-component is working on issues of wildlife, environmental conservation and eco-tourism in five protected areas in the Shire Valley including Lengwe National Park, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve, the Elephant Marsh, and Matandwe Forest Reserve with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).  The funding is to the tune of $5.6 million for a period of five years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Honorable Dr. Usi thanked the SVTP for the timely support and reiterated Government\u2019s commitment to reforms in the natural resources and wildlife conservation sector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI would like to thank the SVTP for this timely support to Lengwe National Park.  This will go a long way in addressing some of the challenges officials are facing in this Park.  I would like to reiterate Government\u2019s commitment to boosting the sector through reforms.  We will maintain regular dialogue with officials in our protected areas to ensure that challenges are addressed accordingly.  I would also like to call upon officials in the Park to continue being disciplined and committed to protecting wildlife and natural resources,\u201d Honorable Dr. Usi said.  Dr. Usi also encouraged the officials to continue working with communities to ensure that both wildlife and natural resources are protected in the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n