Munga's Environmental Supervisor

Q. Good day Quiet. Tell us a little about your family background and academic achievements:

 A.   My name is Quiet Siamilandu.  I was born in 1985, from a family of 8- 3 ladies and 5 gentlemen. I did my primary and secondary education in Mazabuka at Kaleya Primary School and St Edmunds Secondary School respectively. In 2014, I obtained a certificate in Health and Hygiene. I further went on to obtain a certificate in Psychosocial Counselling.  Earlier this year, I obtained yet another Certificate in Sustainable Food Production through Livestock Health Management with University of Illinois.  The latest certificate is focused on organic farming, which is sustainable growing of food without the use of chemicals which disturb the soil and the microbes that live in it.

Q. That is interesting. Before we delve further into details of what sustainability is and your thoughts on it, tell us about your interests in terms of professional and leisure:

 A.  I would say my professional and leisure interests intertwine because my work is my passion. I love being in a quiet, peaceful place surrounded by the calls of nature. I believe it helps you have peace of mind and you develop as a person because you can think responsibly and plan for the future. That is the kind of environment I work in as Environmental Supervisor where I maintain the surroundings, garden and pool.

 Q.  All your words keep bringing up a resounding theme, that of sustainability. Kindly share with us what your thoughts are on sustainability, what it is and why you feel it is an important issue?

 A. Sustainability is the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain and ecological balance. Nature has a way of maintaining ecological balance.I will give you an example: imagine if the microbes (nature’s little housekeepers) in the soil did not decompose.  We would all be swimming in large mounds of leaves that fall to the ground (..chuckling). Now, while industrialization and technological advancement are generally positive for society, if it is not properly managed, the damage done to our environment will be irreversible and felt for years. That is why sustainability can only be achieved if all people join hands in promoting a healthy environment by discouraging reckless disposal of polluting substances and chemical fertilizers. We need to protect our environment for future generations just like our forefathers did.  If we do not protect the environment and wildlife, the already dwindling numbers of wildlife will become extinct.  Imagine telling your children that at one time we had Elephants, Lions, Rhinoceros, but now they are all extinct.  That would be sad.

 Q. That would be sad indeed. We can spend the whole day talking about the importance of environmental sustainability and how we can all contribute to it. Let us turn to your vision for Munga Eco Lodge.

 A. That is very simple. It is to make Munga a shining example in promoting Eco tourism, ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations. To conserve thefavourableenvironment we have created for birdlife and other animals so that visiting guests may appreciate nature’s beauty in a sustainable manner.

 Q. In the years you have been with Munga what are your achievements?

 A. I must mention I was involved in the building and landscaping at the lodge. I have also been involved in the restoration of the natural vegetation. I have used the knowledge I have gained in my trainings to promote the organic garden whose delicious and fresh produce our guests enjoy very much.  I take an active role in maintaining the biological swimming pool as well as putting up bird baths around the lodge.

 Q. I must say you are doing an excellent job. With that in mind, what do you still hope to do for Munga?

 A. I hope to keep planting grass to prevent erosion. I would like to have frequent environmental conservation talks with the staff, guests and local community to create awareness. Also, I would like to make sure that people are able to enjoy the biological swimming pool and learn how to care for pools without harmful chemicals.

 Q. Thanks so much Quiet for an informative chat. In conclusion, any last words?

 A. A good environment is our personal responsibility. When we take care of it, it eventually leads to better way of living, state of mind and happy people.

WELL SAID, QUIET.  MUNGA ECO-LODGE IS HAPPY TO HAVE YOU AS PART OF OUR TEAM