SAVE MICHIRU - Taskforce last-minute efforts to save Michiru's
The taskforce aims to bolster sanctuary ranger efforts and foster greater community involvement to swiftly enhance protection of the nature reserve, the only remaining in the city of Blantyre
BLANTYRE, Malawi (Planet Defence) - The escalating population pressure in the commercial city of Blantyre is exerting immense strain on the last remnants of indigenous forest within the Michiru Nature Sanctuary.
Managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), this challenge prompted the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) to establish an urgent task force as a last ditch effort to save the Sanctuary .
Hastings Kawerenga, Michiru Environmental Education Officer, addressed WESM Blantyre Branch's monthly meeting, highlighting concerns about the thriving brick-making industry along the Likhubula River that has exacerbated issues within the sanctuary.
"Brick makers are excavating soil from the Sanctuary and transporting it elsewhere for brick molding. This unauthorized soil trading from the sanctuary is a growing issue," Kawerenga stated during his presentation.
Kawerenga further revealed that illegal log collectors for brick burning are becoming increasingly confrontational, with instances of rangers being obstructed, notably the recent pursuit of rangers at Taylors camp along the Chikunda road.
Additionally, government infrastructure, including Taylors camp and the bridge connecting the Sanctuary to Chileka road, has been subjected to vandalism.
A concerned visitor, documenting the devastation on trail three, stressed the urgency to address the situation. There is a looming risk that the sanctuary could suffer a fate similar to the deforestation witnessed in Ndirande, Soche, and Mpingwe Mountains. "It is truly disheartening," concluded the visitor who traversed trail three.
Aggressive behaviors such as stone-throwing towards on-duty rangers have become commonplace among charcoal burners. Incidents of confrontation with rangers have occurred, particularly among those engaged in charcoal burning in areas like the peak side on trail 6 and the Maneya site up the mountain. These areas are now overrun by over 150 individuals engaged in illegal activities.
Previously absent within Michiru Nature Sanctuary, charcoal burning has escalated following the depletion of trees within the Michiru forest reserve.
To address this worsening situation, joint law enforcement operations with the Malawi Police Service were initiated. Recently, 50 mobile police officers aided in evicting charcoal burners during a three-day operation supported by WESM to restore order within the protected area.
Ongoing efforts include routine law enforcement patrols and community sensitization meetings. A notable session occurred at Maneya village, involving Senior Chief Kuntaja, group village headmen, Chileka police, forestry officers, and other stakeholders. The environmental education center staff have scaled-up awareness campaigns for visitors frequenting the sanctuary.
The WESM's Blantyre branch intends to raise funds, which will be allocated in two main areas: an immediate response to reinforce law enforcement within the sanctuary and advocating for increased central resources. This initiative seeks to significantly engage the community in safeguarding the nature reserve.
The allocated funds will provide support for six months, allowing for the exploration of sustainable funding sources and increased pressure on central government to take appropriate remedy action.