Malawi’s Mount Mulanje faces severe deforestation and environmental degradation impacting its biodiversity and local communities. Conservation efforts by the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust focus on restoring the endangered Mulanje cedar while addressing socio-economic pressures faced by residents. The impact of Cyclone Freddy highlighted the urgent need for sustainable practices and community engagement in conservation efforts.
Malawi’s Mount Mulanje plays a crucial role in supporting unique biodiversity and local cultures. Despite being designated as a forest reserve and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1927, the mountain has faced severe deforestation—21% of its primary forest cover was lost between 2002 and 2023, impacting both the miombo woodlands and the higher-elevation forests. Conservation efforts, led by the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust (MMCT), are focused on restoring the endemic Mulanje cedar, vital for maintaining the ecosystem and supporting local livelihoods.
In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy struck Malawi, causing devastating floods that resulted in over 600 fatalities and displacing thousands of individuals. Communities around Mount Mulanje were particularly affected, facing loss of homes and agricultural land. As erosion intensified, many residents recognized the need to protect the remaining forested areas. “The communities, most of them are now seeing the importance of protecting what is there” – Kondwani Chamwala.
Mount Mulanje, referred to as the “Island in the Sky,” is approximately 64,000 hectares, featuring a mix of lower miombo woodlands and high-altitude forests housing around 70 endemic plant species. These ecosystems provide essential resources, including drinking water from nine major rivers. However, increased logging, fires, and agricultural expansion have led to significant habitat loss, displacing wildlife and further harming local biodiversity.
Malawi ranks among the world’s poorest nations, with 70% of its population living below the poverty line. Environmental issues, coupled with economic challenges, push communities to overharvest natural resources from the mountain, worsening the pressure on its ecosystems. Satellite data indicates that forest loss surged in 2023 due to Cyclone Freddy, alongside growing desperation among locals relying on logging for sustenance.
The Mulanje cedar (Widdringtonia whytei), a species only found within a specific elevation range on the mountain, faces severe threats from illegal logging, climate change, and other environmental stressors. A 2017 survey revealed merely seven live Mulanje cedar trees remaining, exemplifying the extreme vulnerability of this national tree. To combat this loss, MMCT has cultivated and planted between 5,000 to 15,000 cedars annually since 2004, adapting strategies for fire management and community engagement to improve planting success.
Efforts to plant cedar seedlings involve considerable logistical challenges, with individuals carrying young plants over long distances to remote planting sites. This restoration work requires continuous support for wildfire mitigation and community involvement in protecting planted seedlings. The survival of these trees, however, remains uncertain due to possible soil nutrient deficiencies and ongoing illegal activities in the forest.
To safeguard biodiversity, initiatives must extend beyond the mountain’s summit. Organizations like WeForest focus on restoring and protecting lower miombo woodlands while developing sustainable income opportunities for local communities, reducing their reliance on forest exploitation. Projects aimed at promoting local products, such as certified wild foods and essential oils, strive to harness commercial value for traditional resources, ensuring both conservation and livelihood benefits.
The Mulanje cedar was listed in 2019 under CITES Appendix II, implying restrictive measures for international trade. Nonetheless, the enforcement of anti-logging laws remains challenging amidst corruption and lack of government resources. Organizations like MMCT continue to fight for better management partnerships and funding to strengthen their conservation programs and community initiatives.
Mount Mulanje’s ecosystem is critically endangered due to deforestation, illegal logging, and climate change. Conservation efforts by organizations like the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust are vital in restoring the endemic Mulanje cedar and supporting local communities. Sustainable practices in the miombo woodlands can further alleviate pressure on the region’s biodiversity while providing economic benefits to residents. Therefore, continuous support and innovative approaches are crucial for the survival of both the forest and the communities dependent on it.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
