Michiru Forest Reserve, an iconic forest in southern Malawi, is on the brink of destruction, mirroring a broader crisis of deforestation and environmental degradation across Africa. Established in 1970 and spanning 3,004 hectares, Michiru Forest is a vital habitat for a diverse array of wildlife and provides essential resources to local communities.
According to Africa Science News, Africa is experiencing the highest rate of deforestation globally, with an annual loss of 4.41 million hectares between 2015 and 2020. Major drivers of this deforestation include agricultural expansion, infrastructure developments, and mining activities.
Michiru Forest is home to species such as leopards, porcupines, baboons, blue and velvet monkeys, bushbucks, and various birds. However, increasing pressures from a growing population, agricultural expansion, urbanization, and poaching have significantly degraded the forest. The COVID-19 pandemic and Cyclone Freddy, which struck in March 2023, have further exacerbated the damage.
The forest, which has lost over 1,904 hectares, predominantly of indigenous tree species, is also seeing a rapid disappearance of other forms of biodiversity. Notably, the Southern Crowned Hornbill, a vulnerable species, has not been sighted in recent years. The degradation of Michiru Forest is adversely affecting local tourism as well.
In response to the crisis, Malawi committed at the 2022 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP15 to restore more than 4.5 million hectares of degraded forests by 2030. Additionally, the country aims to restore another 4.5 million hectares under the Bonn Challenge and the AFR100 initiative by 2030. Despite these commitments, green spaces in Malawi continue to diminish alarmingly, with about 7.8 million hectares of land degraded against a total land area of 8.1 million hectares.
The Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) – BirdLife Partner in Malawi – is spearheading efforts to halt the environmental destruction of Michiru Forest. WESM is collaborating with government agencies like the Department of Wildlife and National Parks and engaging local communities through meetings with chiefs and stakeholders. A petition has been initiated to raise awareness, but there is an urgent need for financial support to rehabilitate the forest and develop a sustainable management plan in partnership with local communities, civil society organizations, academia, and the public. WESM emphasizes the need for enhanced awareness among local communities about the forest’s importance.
Immediate action is crucial to save Michiru Forest from destruction and preserve it for future generations.