The Michiru Mountain Forest Reserve in Malawi was established in 1970, covering an area of 3004 ha. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, birds among other biodiversity. Over the years, Michiru has faced pressures, driven by logging, agriculture expansion and poaching leading to its degradation. Now, the forest reserve  is on the brink of destruction, having lost over 1900 hectares since 2019. The forest has also lost important biodiversity including the Southern Ground-Hornbill (VU) and the Red-necked Falcon (NT), that were last spotted in 1991 and 2009 respectively). Efforts to remove the invaders have been barely successful so far as the loggers seem determined to make a living out of the remaining trees and resources in the protected area. 

WE, the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi and concerned citizens of Malawi, Africa and around the world call for immediate stop of the degradation and wanton destruction of Michiru Forest Reserve. 

We call upon the Government of Malawi to take decisive action to stop the ongoing logging, which threatens the sites ecological integrity and reduced capacity to contribute to the climate crisis, biodiversity conservation and long-term economic welfare of local communities and the country.

Michiru Nature Sanctuary is frequently visited by the Wildlife Clubs from within Blantyre City and surrounding districts for environmental education among others. The site is also important for research and conservation awareness to the academia and the public. It is the only site where one could appreciate wildlife and natural miombo forest in Blantyre such that it attracts local and international tourists. Hikers have always loved the natural forest of Michiru. Above all, the reserve provide ecosystems services to the community living in the fringes of the reserve. 

Call to Action

• We call for an urgent and inter-agency operation to stop and remove the illegal loggers who seem to pose a risk to the small ranger force on the ground.
• Further, we call for a long-term conservation plan for Michiru Nature Sanctuary and the Forest Reserve. 
• The Government should bring together all stakeholders update an existing outdated management plan for the forest and provide requisite staff and resources to ensure the long-term protection. 
• All stakeholders, including local communities, civil society organizations like WESM and others should be included in the development of the plan.    
• Finally, we call on development partners, donors agencies, foreign missions based in Malawi to step in and provide urgent financial resources to help stop destruction and develop a plan for Michiru. WESM is willing to support government agencies in bringing stakeholders together in finding a solution for Michiru Forest Reserve.