Tourism
Deforestation weighs on Mulanje Mountain conservation, tourism efforts
November 27, 2020 / Noel Mkwaila
Forestry conservation on Malawi’s highest mountain massif, Mulanje Mountain, faces huge challenges from massive encroachment, plundering and illegal trafficking, says Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust (MMCT), a conservation crusader.
MMCT says encroachment and deforestation, triggered by overpopulation and increased demands for forest products for domestic use is fast diminishing the mountains’ vegetation and cover.
Charcoal burning, illicit logging and transfer of timber as well as the highly protected cider trees and other forest products by community members are some of the major activities that have negatively affected natural resources conservation on Mulanje Mountain.
The Trust’s Programme Officer Kondwani Chamwala says the progress being made by MMCT constantly encounter frustrations from encroachers and illegal loggers.
“Encroachment and destructive bushfires suppresses growth of forest plants,” he say.
Chamwala, however, points out that his organisation is not relenting on exploring awareness campaigns through community outreach programs using drama and other interactive approaches to educate the masses on conserving the mountain’s natural resources.
Meanwhile, the Trust says it has plans already in place to preserve the mountain’s greenery, especially now that the rainy season has arrived.
Chamwala says for the past three rainy seasons, the Trust has been promoting the planting of the endangered Mulanje Cider, which has earned itself an accolade as the National Tree.
MMCT is also planting other tree species on the mountain to provide community members with alternative benefits away from the endangered species and immature plants.
Mulanje Mountain, Malawi’s largest and Africa’s third highest, is one of the country’s biggest tourist attractions.
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Rehabilitation:
The establishment of a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem, but not necessarily the one that existed before mining began. In many cases, complete restoration may be impossible, but successful remediation, reclamation, and rehabilitation can result in the timely establishment of a functional ecosystem.
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Remediation:
The cleanup of the contaminated area to safe levels by removing or isolating contaminants. At mine sites, remediation often consists of isolating contaminated material in pre-existing tailings storage facilities, capping tailings and waste rock stockpiles with clean topsoil, and collecting and treating any contaminated mine water if necessary.
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