In collaboration with the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM), MEET is fundraising for the Michiru Nature Sanctuary Restoration Project. Michiru Mountain is one of the three scenic mountains in Blantyre city, covering a total area of 4,236ha. The mountain is the source of several rivers, namely Namanyanzi and Mulunguzi and provides a habitat for biodiversity, such as bird species and small mammals. The mountain also provides direct social and economic benefits due to its aesthetic value, providing trails for nature enthusiasts and providing mushrooms, thatching grass, indigenous fruit, poles and firewood for surrounding communities.
Michiru Nature Sanctuary was first approved as a multiple-use conservation area in 1975. Its status was changed to a Nature Sanctuary in 2003 so that it could be governed by the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1992 and, as amended in 2004, as a protected area. Michiru Nature Sanctuary is based in the Mikwawa valley and covers approximately 18 square kilometres. The sanctuary is surrounded by densely populated areas of approximately 25,000 people living in over 50 villages. The rest of the mountain is managed by the Department of Forestry.
Michiru Nature Sanctuary was first approved as a multiple-use conservation area in 1975. Its status was changed to a Nature Sanctuary in 2003 so that it could be governed by the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1992 and, as amended in 2004, as a protected area. Michiru Nature Sanctuary is based in the Mikwawa valley and covers approximately 18 square kilometres. The sanctuary is surrounded by densely populated areas of approximately 25,000 people living in over 50 villages. The rest of the mountain is managed by the Department of Forestry.
Michiru Nature Sanctuary (MNS) is surrounded by an area of high population density, with limited land holding (sizes averaging 1.0 ha/household). Most of the communities have sold land to new settlers in the area. Over the years, agriculture production has been hampered by poor soil, socioeconomic factors resulting in unmanageable prices of farm inputs by the ordinary person. Urbanization and population growth have further contributed to the problems facing the area.
The impact of these factors has been recurring food insecurity for most of the surrounding households, who live below the poverty line. When their means are overstretched, many individuals resort to irrepressible coping mechanisms within the sanctuary such as illegal logging, illegal charcoal production and illegal poaching of animals, thereby threatening biodiversity conservation inside the sanctuary. This is made worse by the clearing of the vegetation in the surrounding communities, putting more pressure on MNS and its natural resources. The increasing effects of climate change causing weather related hazards such as drought and cyclones have exacerbated these problems.
A lack of concerted government action (Mauambeta et al, 2010) is also a factor at MNS. Rangers report a lack of the equipment necessary to do their job and do to it safely. Fuel allowances and allowances for long- haul assignments are often not forthcoming, leaving staff feeling demoralised. Inadequate support for law enforcement and forestry development efforts lead to a feeling of helplessness amongst those employed to protect the sanctuary.
Illegal activities within MNS have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. This is evidenced by the increased number of arrests of men and women, including youth, which, in turn, has caused immense strain between park and forest rangers and the local communities. Ill will between these stakeholders came to a head in 2020 when a forest ranger was hacked to death and other rangers were wounded. The recent cholera outbreak and the devastating effects of Cyclone Freddy have pushed local villagers further into poverty.
In the course of the last year, we have unfortunately witnessed massive invasion of the mountain resulting in unabated destruction and deforestation. It is estimated that there were over 500 encroachers illegally camping in the mountain with the sole purpose of cutting down trees to sell firewood and make charcoal. The situation quickly became hostile, threatening the lives of rangers and staff from DNPW and Forestry. Calls and pleas for assistance have been shared widely on social media.
The impact of these factors has been recurring food insecurity for most of the surrounding households, who live below the poverty line. When their means are overstretched, many individuals resort to irrepressible coping mechanisms within the sanctuary such as illegal logging, illegal charcoal production and illegal poaching of animals, thereby threatening biodiversity conservation inside the sanctuary. This is made worse by the clearing of the vegetation in the surrounding communities, putting more pressure on MNS and its natural resources. The increasing effects of climate change causing weather related hazards such as drought and cyclones have exacerbated these problems.
A lack of concerted government action (Mauambeta et al, 2010) is also a factor at MNS. Rangers report a lack of the equipment necessary to do their job and do to it safely. Fuel allowances and allowances for long- haul assignments are often not forthcoming, leaving staff feeling demoralised. Inadequate support for law enforcement and forestry development efforts lead to a feeling of helplessness amongst those employed to protect the sanctuary.
Illegal activities within MNS have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. This is evidenced by the increased number of arrests of men and women, including youth, which, in turn, has caused immense strain between park and forest rangers and the local communities. Ill will between these stakeholders came to a head in 2020 when a forest ranger was hacked to death and other rangers were wounded. The recent cholera outbreak and the devastating effects of Cyclone Freddy have pushed local villagers further into poverty.
In the course of the last year, we have unfortunately witnessed massive invasion of the mountain resulting in unabated destruction and deforestation. It is estimated that there were over 500 encroachers illegally camping in the mountain with the sole purpose of cutting down trees to sell firewood and make charcoal. The situation quickly became hostile, threatening the lives of rangers and staff from DNPW and Forestry. Calls and pleas for assistance have been shared widely on social media.
FUNDRAISING PLEA
MEET and WESM are mobilising resources to improve the biological diversity of Michiru Mountain over the next five years.
The project has the following objectives:
MEET and WESM are mobilising resources to improve the biological diversity of Michiru Mountain over the next five years.
The project has the following objectives:
- To facilitate natural and assisted regeneration of 20.5 hectares of deforested land within the Michiru Mountain Conservation Area (MMCA) boundary.
- To provide alternative energy and livelihood sources through nature-based enterprises to bordering communities
- To strengthen the links between local communities and law enforcement to better prevent logging and other illegal activities within MMCA.
- To enhance awareness of the value of biodiversity and MMCA through community sensitisation, environmental education and sharing ecotourism options.
SUMMARY OF BUDGET
| No | Activity | Amount (MK) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Strengthen Law Enforcement | 54,303,800 |
| 2 | Stakeholder Meetings | 7,870,020.00 |
| 3 | Improve Community Participation | 31,772,020.00 |
| 4 | Support Livelihood Interventions | 75,169,410.00 |
| 5 | Conduct environmental education outreach programs | 9,186,760.00 |
| 6 | Develop plans for Michiru (Management/Business Plan) | 3,386,160.00 |
| 7 | Formulation of bye laws | 2,043,600.00 |
| Grand Total | 183,731,770 | |
| Funds Raised | 0.00 | |
Contact the MEET Secretariat, should you be interested in contributing to this important project.