Mount Mulanje rises from the plains of southern Malawi, a mountain teeming with life found nowhere else on Earth. Its most famous resident, the Mulanje cedar, the national and iconic tree species of Malawi, is critically endangered. After losing much of its forest cover—65% nationwide—Malawi’s conservation struggle is powerfully reflected here. We spoke with Mathews Tsirizeni, country director at WeForest Malawi to understand how a community-centered restoration model is taking roots.
How do you define conservation in Mount Mulanje, and why is it so urgent?
Conservation of the biosphere matters for both nature and people. It sustains ecosystems for endangered fauna and flora species. The loss of forest cover is alarming, but a tragic event served as a stark lesson. After the devastating impact of cyclone Freddy, communities realized the protective role of the forest. Areas with more vegetation were spared from the worst. Now, they see that conserving the mountain is essential for their own survival.
Relief after cyclone Freddy that hit Malawi in 2023 (Photo credits: ©WeForest)
What does a community-centered co-management model look like in practice?
It’s a radical shift from top-down conservation. We adopted a forestry co-management model where communities and government sign a formal agreement. This isn’t just about rules; it’s about rights and benefits. The agreement includes a clear benefit-sharing mechanism: 70% of revenue from forest products goes back to the communities, while 30% goes to the government.
This is backed by tangible support. We opened bank accounts for the communities. They also generate income by patrolling the forest and selling confiscated materials like illegal logging equipment. The model works as long as the community sees the immediate benefit of their interventions.
How do you protect the forest while supporting families who depend on it?
The strategy is multifaceted. The initiative incorporates beekeeping, partnering with local experts to create new income streams. A key innovation is the creation of “Village Forest Areas”, designated zones away from the core reserve where communities can manage their own woodlots for fuelwood and beehives, directly relieving pressure on the native forest.
Perhaps the most impactful is agroforestry.This activity improves soil fertility and enhances food security. But it also provides fuelwood. The fast-growing species we promote can be pruned within a year, providing a sustainable alternative to cutting down the native forest.
How do you unite such diverse community interests?
This community is a tapestry of traditional leaders, farmers, tour guides, herbalists, and local politicians. Our role is not to lead the way, but to provide support.
Central to this are the traditional leaders. They are considered custodians of the traditional and cultural values that protect the forest. Their authority is channeled through local institutions like Forest Block Management Committees and Natural Resource Management Committees, creating a decentralized, legitimate governance structure. We can’t go to a community without passing through the chief. They are the center of protection.
Specialists check on Msopa (Bridelia micrantha) seedlings in the nursery (Photo credits: ©WeForest).
How do you protect the forest while supporting families who depend on it?
The strategy is multifaceted. The initiative incorporates beekeeping, partnering with local experts to create new income streams. A key innovation is the creation of “Village Forest Areas”, designated zones away from the core reserve where communities can manage their own woodlots for fuelwood and beehives, directly relieving pressure on the native forest.
Perhaps the most impactful is agroforestry.This activity improves soil fertility and enhances food security. But it also provides fuelwood. The fast-growing species we promote can be pruned within a year, providing a sustainable alternative to cutting down the native forest.
Do women play a significant role in governance?
The answer is a resounding yes. People in this region live in a matrilineal society. Men move to their wives’ villages, so women are the landowners. As a result, our reforestations projects are dominated by women.
This is visible at every level. We have a bigger portion of women lead farmers and follower farmers. You will see women constructing nurseries, leading patrols, and hanging beehives. This is driven by direct benefit: A woman collects firewood for home use; a man often does so for sale. Women are the primary beneficiaries of nature, so they understand the project more and are its most powerful leaders.
Women in Mount Mulanje, Malawi take the lead. In the photo, we see them holding Mulanje cedar seedlings (Photo credits: ©WeForest).
Is there a story that captures why this mountain matters?
The conservation effort is undergirded by deep cultural belief. The people believe that spirits live in the mountains. If the forest is exploited, they become angry, holding back the rains or inducing disasters. This isn’t folklore; it’s a core part of the mountain’s identity. These spiritual hotspots are a key reason Mulanje Mountain was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Site in 2025.
What is your one message about Mount Mulanje?
The Mulanje cedar is a national tree, indigenous to Mulanje Mountain only, and it is threatened with extinction. More resources are needed for its conservation.
The fight for Mount Mulanje is a microcosm of global conservation challenges. But here, the solution is clear: trust the community, empower the women, honor the culture, and ensure that protecting the forest also means providing for the people who call it home.
Be a guardian of this sacred mountain.
WeForest works with communities who have cared for these sacred lands for generations, protecting what remains and restoring what’s been lost. Become a guardian of the sacred mountain.
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