Castel Malawi Limited has donated K10 million worth of beekeeping equipment to communities surrounding the Lunyangwa catchment area in Mzuzu to reduce deforestation and protect local water sources, according to African Sustainability Matters. The July 13 donation includes beehives, protective suits, and gloves, reports The Maravi Post. Castel Malawi Director of Corporate Affairs Gloria Zimba stated that the initiative will provide economic incentives for residents to focus on honey production rather than cutting down trees in the Kaningina Forest, as quoted by The Maravi Post. The Lunyangwa catchment serves as the primary water source for the Northern Region Water Board, and local forestry officials expect the equipment to help restore the area, according to the same report.
In weather developments, the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services issued a five-day forecast on July 13 warning of hazardous conditions on Lake Malawi. According to the department, moderate to strong Mwera winds are expected to blow over the lake and other regional water bodies at speeds of at least 40 kilometers per hour. The southeasterly airflow is anticipated to cause rough waters, and meteorologists have advised all lake users to stay alert, the department noted in its bulletin. Across the rest of the country, the forecast predicts persistent partly cloudy, cool, and windy conditions with cold nights and patches of morning fog, according to the official weather update.