The European Union (EU) says the fight against climate change will still be a far-fetched dream unless government puts in place sustainable energy and corruption policies to curb deforestation.

The EU Ambassador to Malawi Sandra Paesen made the remarks at Katunthama Primary school in Traditional Authority Nthondo in Ntchisi district during a tree planting exercise.

Paesen said EU believes that involvement of communities and building ownership of forest resources is a firm foundation for sustainable forest management.

The EU envoy advised government to ensure that Malawians who use biomass as source of energy are able to access alternative energy power to curb depletion of natural resources such as forests.

Peeasen pointed out that corruption in the country is rampant in the energy sector as World Bank statistics shows that 38 million USD dollars are lost every year through bribes along the charcoal value chain which is interlinked with forest management.

In her remarks, the Malawi National Director for World Vision Hazel Nyathi said through the project the organization managed to plant 2 million trees.

Nyanthi disclosed that communities have promoted enterprises such as beekeeping and village savings and loan and sustainable innovations such as briquette stoves and nursery established.

Traditional Authority Nthonda said his area has been recognized for its effort in forest management and conservation.