Speaking during the launch of exercise today at Chiyola community day secondary school, district forestry Officer Gift Nyirenda said the council has put in place measures that will help to achieve this.

The Nyirenda said the measures include working with traditional leaders and other stakeholders in the district.

According to Nyirenda the council has planned to plant over 1.7 million trees this season.

Meanwhile division manager for parks and wildlife in the North Peter Wadi has hailed the exercise saying it will help to cover the bare land along Nyika National Park and Vwaza marsh wildlife reserve.

He said currentry deforestation rate along Nyika National Park and Vwaza marsh wildlife reserve is above 10% which he said is worrisome.

Commenting on the matter paramount chief Chikulamayembe urged his fellow traditional leaders to take a leading role in the exercise.

The event was supported by Nyika-Vwaza Association with funding from Kulera Red Project.