Update:

29.11.2023

Thank you so much for the donations so far - we are well on track, but still a little way to go!

The campaign is already having real impact. The films produced by WESM Blantyre have been widely circulated and seen by the highest levels of government. The Department of National Parks & Wildlife (DNPW) have organised their own taskforce and met with WESM members on 24th November. This was a fruitful meeting and a budget has been drawn up to bring an end to the current unabated logging and charcoal production. We will now be able to contribute towards the activities, particularly around media coverage, raising awareness and community engagement activities. WESM Blantyre will also now be able to begin employing another member of staff to help with the colossal work load involved in this project.

We are pleased to announce that the Minister of DNPW has organised an urgent visit to Michiru to see the damage for herself. This will involve a press briefing and be covered in the national press. The British High Commissioner and US Ambassador have also expressed concern and are considering visits to the area too.

This is a highly complex area and there is still a long way to go. We feel a great deal has been achieved in a short amount of time, so thank you again for your support. We will of course keep you updated.

Many thanks.

WESM Blantyre Michiru Taskforce.

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Background:

Michiru Nature Reserve is on the verge of complete destruction. It is the last patch of indigenous forest in reach of Blantyre.

Means of protection have broken down and a huge number of commercial loggers and charcoal makers have moved in. At the current rate of destruction there could be very little left in a matter of months.

WESM's Blantyre branch has set up a taskforce to assist the rangers and increase community engagement to rapidly increase protection of the nature reserve.

The funds will be spent in two main ways:

1) An immediate response to restore law enforcement in the sanctuary, and lobby for increased central resources.

2) A multi-pronged approach to increase community engagement in the protection of the nature reserve.

These funds will give enough support for 6 months so that other more sustainable sources of funding can be attained, and pressure can be mounted on central government departments.