Last week the Department of Forestry reminded the public that last year they made an amendment to the Forest Act including revised penalties.
Forestry crimes now carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and engaging in the production, possession, trafficking or sale of charcoal without a licence or permit can carry a maximum fine of five million Malawian Kwacha (£5,000/$6,500).
They are also encouraging all departments, including officers at roadblocks, to confiscate any illegal forestry-related goods such as charcoal.
Our Forest Conservation and Tree Planting project works with communities to not only protect existing forests but to plant a variety quicker-growing trees.
By communities having a sustainable source of timber means that they are able to now conserve existing forests with indigenous trees and allow natural regeneration to take place. They also plant a selection of indigenous and fruit trees too.
