Dedication to Sustainability: Edwin Kaweche’s Mission to Plant Trees

Meet Edwin Kaweche, a man who has dedicated his life to planting trees. Kaweche is a businessman from Mzuzu and he has already produced over 300 hectares of trees combined so far at his home village in Kavuzi, Nkhata Bay, and at Mazamba in the Viphya Plantation where he has a 500-hectare concession. For Edwin, planting trees is more than just an investment, it’s a passion.

Kaweche being also involved in timber milling as well as the construction business has seen firsthand the impact of deforestation in Malawi. He says he knew that something had to be done to restore the land and promote sustainability. So, he started planting trees on his land and is encouraging others to do the same.

“Planting trees is not just about improving the environment, it’s about creating a better future for our children and grandchildren. I want to leave a world for my children that are better than the one I inherited. That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to planting trees. Every tree we plant is a step towards a more sustainable future, a future where our children can thrive. I believe that if we all work together, we can make a real difference” says Kaweche.

Over the years, Kaweche has become somewhat of a local hero. His efforts have not only improved the environment but have also had a positive impact on the community. He has created jobs for residents and provided a source of food and income by taking care of trees.

But for Kaweche, his work is never done. He takes care of his trees every day, ensuring that they are healthy and growing strong. He also continues to educate communities around his plantations on the importance of sustainability and encourages others to plant trees as well.

“I believe that every single tree makes a difference. If we all plant just one tree, we can make a huge impact. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the environmental challenges we face, but we must remember that every small action counts.”

Despite the challenges he faces like funds to invest in more trees, Kaweche remains dedicated to his cause. He believes that trees are the key to a sustainable future and that every individual has a role to play in protecting the environment.

“The challenges we face are usually because it’s very expensive to invest in trees, which can be discouraging, but we must remain dedicated to our cause. We cannot afford to give up. Trees are a vital resource for our future, and we must do everything we can to protect them. I’ve faced my fair share of setbacks over the years, but I’ve learned that perseverance is key. We must keep planting, keep nurturing, and keep educating others about the importance of sustainability.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished so far, but there is still so much work. I will continue to plant and nurture trees for as long as I am able. I hope that others will be inspired by my work and join me in this mission. Together, we can create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come. I believe that if we all work towards a common goal, we can achieve great things,” he says.

Kaweche also bemoans the fact that now as a country, Malawi is importing timber from neighboring Tanzania when just a few years back, the country was exporting the same.

“What’s funny is, Tanzania used to rely on Malawi in terms of timber but look at us now, we have destroyed all our forests and we are importing expensive timber from Tanzania at the moment. It’s a very sad situation,” decries Kaweche.

As we celebrate World Forestry Day, let us remember the impact of individuals like Edwin Kaweche, who have dedicated their lives to planting and nurturing trees. They remind us that we all have a responsibility to protect the planet and create a better future for generations to come.