Reforesting Malawi’s Mount Mulanje: An Urgent Call for Conservation Action
Mount Mulanje in Malawi, known for its biodiversity, faces severe deforestation affecting its unique flora and fauna. Extensive efforts by the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust are underway to restore the endemic Mulanje cedar and promote sustainable income sources amid worsening environmental challenges, especially after Tropical Cyclone Freddy. Community involvement is essential to conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of local engagement for lasting ecological recovery.
Malawi’s Mount Mulanje, characterized by its unique biodiversity and cultural significance, has witnessed alarming deforestation across its miombo woodlands and higher-altitude forests in recent decades. The Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust has dedicated the last twenty years to restoring the Mulanje cedar (Widdringtonia whytei), an endemic species of profound importance to Malawi. Concurrently, reforestation efforts and income-generating projects aim to mitigate poverty and lessen the ecological pressures faced by the mountain.
In March 2023, Tropical Cyclone Freddy emerged as a major natural disaster, resulting in unprecedented rainfall and devastation across Malawi. The cyclone claimed over 600 lives and displaced roughly 650,000 individuals, with communities surrounding Mount Mulanje being particularly affected. The disaster exacerbated an already dire situation, as illegal logging and fires had previously stripped the mountain of its vegetation, leading to disastrous soil erosion and property damage, as observed by local environmental educator Kondwani Chamwala.
Mount Mulanje, often referred to as the “Island in the Sky,” is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covering approximately 64,000 hectares. Despite its protected status, rampant deforestation has threatened its endemic flora and fauna. The local population, largely dependent on agriculture and natural resources, faces challenges due to depleted resources like trees for firewood and dwindling river supplies. Chamwala reminisces about a time when the landscape was abundant with wildlife and fresh water, contrasting it with the current struggles faced by local communities.
Malawi ranks among the lowest globally in terms of poverty alleviation, with about 70% of its population living below the poverty line. The combination of climate change, economic instability, and frequent cyclones has worsened living conditions. As natural resources diminish, people often resort to exploiting the environment for survival, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices, according to Chamwala.
From 2002 to 2023, the Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve suffered a drastic loss of primary forest cover, with 21% of it destroyed, much of which accelerated after Cyclone Freddy. The community’s reliance on the mountain for survival has further complicated conservation efforts, as many individuals admit to engaging in logging to support their families. The plight of the Mulanje cedar, the national tree, epitomizes the crisis faced by the region’s biodiversity.
The Mulanje cedar has seen a considerable decline, with an alarming survey revealing only seven live trees remaining in 2017. Despite past attempts at conservation struggling against fire and illegal logging, recent efforts by the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust have been redirected towards nurturing seedlings and enhancing community involvement to foster sustainability.
Initiatives implemented by the MMCT emphasize cultivation and planting strategies, with efforts yielding improved seedling survival rates in recent years. Yet, sustaining the young trees continues to be an uphill battle as fire remains an ever-present threat. Although fire breaks and community support systems have been established, the protection of young cedars necessitates greater diligence and cooperation from local inhabitants.
Marked as endangered under international laws in 2019, the Mulanje cedar faces legal protections that are difficult to enforce, owing to insufficient funding and regulatory structures. MWCT struggles with underfunding and has sought to align with government initiatives to enhance forest protection measures but lacks effective partnerships to date. A comprehensive approach that integrates community efforts and miombo woodland restoration is deemed vital for revitalizing the ecosystem.
Efforts to support the miombo woodlands around Mount Mulanje have become essential to conservation strategies. Local communities have entered co-management agreements with governmental bodies to cultivate and protect these areas, fostering sustainability and regeneration. Nonprofits, such as WeForest, provide vital assistance in restoring degraded lands and promoting agroforestry, while the MMCT strives to forge sustainable economic opportunities for residents reliant on forest resources.
While the road to recovery is paved with challenges, innovative strategies aimed at creating marketable products from the miombo’s natural resources are in progress. The MMCT is exploring avenues for value-added products from local flora, an endeavor that seeks to connect urban Malawians with their roots. Collaborative marketing efforts may pave the way for increased financial stability in the region, yet ongoing support remains crucial for successful conservation outcomes.
The situation surrounding Mount Mulanje remains precarious but is not without hope. Various organizations are actively working towards restoring the Mulanje cedar while promoting sustainable practices within local communities. The combined efforts of conservationists and local residents could prove vital for the mountain’s ecological future. Continuous support and collaboration are imperative to navigate the challenges faced by the region, restore its biodiversity, and sustain the livelihoods of surrounding communities.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
