Mulanje Mountain Biodiversity Conservation Project

The project will promote conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity , and the more equitable sharing of benefits accruing from forest resources in the globally significant and unique ecosystems of the Mulanje massif. Specifically, GEF funds would support activities to incorporate biodiversity conservation objectives effectively into Reserve management. This would include, i.e., monitoring populations and distributions of targeted species and other ecological indicators, identifying high priority conservation sites and the activities required to protect their biodiversity, and developing alternative sources of products and income to reduce pressure on biological resources and/or substitute or compensate for loss of access to areas or resources which are completely protected from exploitation. GEF funds would also help raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, and build the capacity of the FD and communities to implement conservation activities, through environmental/conservation education and specific skills training. The purpose of the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust Fund (CTF), whose Board is comprised of representatives of the key stakeholders, is to provide an on-going and reliable source of in-country funding for biodiversity conservation and ecologically sustainable development of the Mulanje Massif and surrounding area.