Planting trees with promise

In support of our Funeral Tree Planting Promise, where a tree is planted for every funeral we arrange, the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) has been conducting community awareness activity on tree and giant bamboo planting to encourage more communities to participate in our Tree Planting Promise in the coming years.

They have also started a tree survival supervision tour inviting communities to learn more about tree care and participate in weeding and creating fire breaks designed to contain potential wildfires. So far, the results have been very encouraging.

Appreciation ceremonies are now being delivered in six villages across Malawi. These involve financial awards, funded by Co-op Climate Action, to outstanding individual planters and a contribution to their club funds.

The WESM was founded in 1947 as the Nyasaland Fauna Preservation Society in Blantyre. In the early days, its aim was to protect wildlife, especially with a focus on larger mammals. In the 1950s and 60s, WESM was active in proposing and helping to establish Malawi’s nature reserves and national parks such as Lengwe, Majete, Mwabvi and Nyika. It also successfully campaigned for tighter hunting controls.

We’re delighted that the trees we’ve planted are being nurtured with so much care by our partners Co-op Climate Action to increase their survival rates.

We'd like to thank everyone who has contributed towards this transformative, co-operative initiative. We’ll continue to keep you informed of the progress we’re making in Malawi throughout this UN International Year of Co-operatives.