Online Gallery and Directory and Local Research and Development Centers for Community-based Conservation Initiatives
…where villages can track, collaborate in research and development including promotion of their local conservation initiatives to enhance their effectiveness and eco-tourism as well as other eco-SMEs
pomwe midzi ikhonza kulondoloza, kuchita nawo kafukufuku ndi kupititsa patsogolo ntchito zawo zosamala chilengedwe ndi chikhalidwe komanso kukopa alendo
Deforestation and Biodiversity Degradation of Michiru Forest Reserve in Blantyre
Learn How Poverty is Causing and Growing With Loss of Biodiversity on Michiru Mountain
When Harold Chitowe of Chitowe Green Technologies went ahead with overview analysis of social-economic activities in peri-urban villages around Michiru forest in Blantyre, he came across an interesting pressing issue.
He found that the villages largely and critically depend on the forest; which is resulting to its deforestation and biodiversity degradation and consequently undermining its economic value, leaving the community economically desperate.
He found that a few households have jobs and businesses in the city as many of them rely on various small businesses and casual labour within the area, which slightly meet their income needs. To cushion income shocks, majority of the households encroach Michiru forest for firewood and soils for brick burning – which has contributed to immense deforestation of the mountain – subsequently undermining its economic value to them and as a nature sanctuary, a tourism site. To cope up with poverty alternatively, only a few households have resorted to winter (irrigated) farming, but it is also facing challenges including rising cost of agri-inputs, lack of skills/knowledge and a narrow market base.
No any community-based conservation initiative was mentioned in the survey. Instead, some feud between the community and the government authorities were confided.
It was noted that the Wildlife Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) is a major stakeholder that is actively trying to protect and maintain the nature sanctuary. Some organizations that were mentioned by key informants include National Initiative for Civic Education, World Bank, John Hopkins and UNICEF. However, the key informants did not explain their exact interventions.
Summaries
Community-based Conservation and eco-tourism of Zomba Mountain Forests, Lake Chilwa and Chikala Rain Forests
It is commonly perceived that communities surrounding nature conservation sites such as public forests, game reserves and national parks threaten conservation objectives. Nankhunda Transformation a local organization rose to defy this character. Honestly, they are working like paid staff in protecting Zomba Mountain Forests, they conduct patrols, construct fire-breaks and plant trees on the mountain.
The local organization was founded and is led by Jonas Beyard who also found and leads Zomba Tours Guide Association (ZTGA). The tour guides are also active in conservation of Zomba Mountain Forests. They have a tree nursery of indigenous species and they are also found clearing and cleaning trails on the mountain.
Both organizations are supported by TREEZ, a non-profit organization founded and run by Zomba Forest Lodge. TREEZ play a bigger role by raising funds through its flagship international annual event known as Run4Reforestation, rewarding the community for tree survival and many others.
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