TIMELY STITCH - Minister vows integration of community development and law enforcement to rescue Michiru
Vera Kamtukule's visit to Michiru Nature Sanctuary follows the recent arson attacks on infrastructure facilities, including houses at the Paul Taylor Camp and the bridge connecting Chileka side
BLANTYRE, Malawi (Planet Defence) - In a proactive move to preserve the Michiru Mountain Nature Sanctuary, Vera Kamtukule, Minister responsible for Tourism, Parks, and Wildlife, visited Blantyre’s last remaining biodiversity hotspot to assess the extensive damage caused by suspected arson attacks on the sanctuary's infrastructure facilities.
Kamtukule convened a meeting involving officials from her Ministry, stakeholders from the Forestry Department, Wildlife Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM), traditional leaders, law enforcement agencies, and the Malawi Defense Force.
The objective was to devise effective strategies to address this issue, primarily linked to the brick-making industry that has thrived along the Likhubula for over three decades.
“After witnessing the wanton destruction of trees and the resulting devastation, including the destruction of our dedicated rangers' houses and a burnt bridge at Michiru Forest, I am compelled to urgently tackle this matter,” explained Kamtukule.
One of our primary strategies involves intensifying community engagement. WESM, in collaboration with Parks and Tourism, will directly engage with communities to initiate income-generating activities, such as beekeeping. This approach aims to empower communities to better protect their forests while offering alternative sources of livelihood.
Furthermore, we are advocating for ecotourism within forests, fostering community involvement and protection. By demonstrating the economic benefits that communities can derive from their forests, we aim to instill a sense of responsibility and participation among them, similar to the success achieved in the Ntchisi Forest Reserve.
“To ensure the sustainability of our efforts, we are committed to raising awareness through Behavior Change Communication (BCC) campaigns. Through collaboration with community leaders and law enforcement agencies, our goal is to transform mindsets and emphasize the mutual benefits of forest preservation,” added Kamtukule.
Leveraging technology is integral to our conservation efforts. We intend to utilize infrared cameras and drones for effective forest monitoring and protection. The successful application of drones in Kasungu National Park showcases the positive impact of modern technology on wildlife conservation.
Additionally, we are dedicated to phasing out the use of burnt bricks. Collaborating with the Construction Industry Council and all stakeholders, we are advocating for the adoption of concrete blocks. This transition, currently reliant on trees and detrimental to the soil, aligns with our environmental preservation objectives.
Collectively, it's imperative that our communities recognize the invaluable benefits provided by Michiru Forest. This is not just a campaign; it's a shared responsibility to safeguard our natural heritage.
Analysts attribute the threat to Michiru to charcoal producers from Maneya and the brick-making industry along the Likhubula river from Mulunguzi, Suya, Mwachande, Mdala, and Kachange villages.
Established in 1930, Michiru Forest isn't merely a forest; it's a gem and a treasure that demands our collective protection. As our tourism predominantly relies on nature, the assault on Michiru poses a threat to the core of our tourism identity.