Reforestation Efforts in Mount Mulanje: A Path to Restoring Malawi’s Biodiversity
Mount Mulanje in Malawi, recognized for its biodiversity, faces severe deforestation due to illegal logging and climate events like Cyclone Freddy. Conservation efforts, led by the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, aim to revive the Mulanje cedar and engage local communities in sustainable practices. While challenges persist, ongoing initiatives for reforestation and community support offer a path forward for the preservation of this critical ecosystem.
Malawi’s Mount Mulanje, known for its unique biodiversity and cultural significance, has witnessed significant deforestation of its miombo woodlands and higher elevation forests over recent decades. The Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust has been actively working since 2002 to restore the Mulanje cedar, Malawi’s national tree. In parallel, reforestation and income-generating projects aim to alleviate poverty in local communities and reduce pressure on the mountain’s ecosystem.
In March 2023, Tropical Cyclone Freddy struck Malawi, leading to extensive rainfall and resulting in severe damage, particularly around Mount Mulanje where illegal logging and fires have already degraded the area. The cyclone heightened awareness among local communities of the necessity to protect their remaining forests. “The communities, most of them are now seeing the importance of protecting what is there,” stated Kondwani Chamwala, an environmental educator.
Mt. Mulanje, often referred to as the “Island in the Sky,” encompasses 64,000 hectares and features 13 peaks. The ecology includes both miombo woodlands at lower altitudes and foggy forests, providing habitat for numerous endemic plant species and vital watersheds. Despite being a designated forest reserve and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1927, the area’s biodiversity remains at risk due to ongoing deforestation.
About a million residents live in the surrounding regions, with much of the fertile land utilized for tea plantations and agriculture. Historically, the miombo woodlands supported a variety of life and resources, including wild fruits and fishable rivers. However, local wildlife has diminished, and access to these resources has become increasingly limited, forcing residents to travel farther for basic needs like firewood.
Malawi faces economic challenges, with 70% of its population below the poverty line. Diminished rainfall patterns and heightened cyclone activity, exacerbated by climate change, have further strained livelihoods. In such dire circumstances, local populations often turn toward the mountain for subsistence, leading to exploitation of its forests. From 2002 to 2023, the Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve suffered a loss of nearly 21% of its primary forest cover.
The endemic Mulanje cedar, which only grows at specific elevations, is critically endangered. While past regulations aimed at protecting the cedar population, enforcement has declined due to corruption and oppressive conditions. A survey in 2017 reported only seven live cedars, an alarming indication of their dwindling numbers, prompting ongoing restoration efforts to cultivate and protect new seedlings on the mountain.
Efforts to revitalize the Mulanje cedar have led to the establishment of community nurseries to improve seedling cultivation, with over 700,000 seedlings planted from 2016 to 2019 alone. While methods have evolved to ensure higher survival rates, challenges persist, including susceptibility to diseases and fire threats. Conservationists emphasize the importance of collaboration with local communities to secure a sustainable future for the cedar and its habitat.
Conservation initiatives also focus on restoring surrounding miombo woodlands that are critical for biodiversity and community welfare. The area’s degradation has led to initiatives by organizations like WeForest to support natural regeneration and sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and communities. These include co-management agreements to promote responsible resource use while allowing locals to harvest edible products responsibly.
Despite the promising efforts, continuous support is vital to protect Mount Mulanje’s biodiversity. “We’re not talking big amounts of money. We’re talking about constant, reliable, small streams that can make a difference,” remarked Carl Bruessow, executive director of MMCT, highlighting the urgent need for sustained funding to combat deforestation and restore the mountain’s ecosystems.
The recovery and protection of Mount Mulanje, its cedar trees, and the surrounding forest ecosystems are critical for both local biodiversity and community resilience. Despite facing significant challenges due to climate change and human factors, ongoing conservation efforts and community involvement show promise. Continuous support and innovative approaches are necessary to secure a sustainable future for this vital region of Malawi.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
