Environmental policy and administrative management

Misuku Hills rainforests are under pressure from logging,charcoal production and clearance for agricultural land.Misuku Hills also loses a lot of forest due to bushfires.When these forests are lost,inique biodiversity is lost,as well as the ecological services that they provide,including water catchment, soil conservation, pollination and non timber forest products. For so long honey has been a source of food, income, self-employment, source of nutrition and medication for indigenous Sukwa tribe in Misuku Hills. Concentration of beekeepers and beekeeping clubs are found in Misuku Hills (1500 beekeepers in 150 clubs). However honey hunting is facing a lot of challenges. The production of natural/indigenous honey has decreased by 70% due to deforestation. Specific objectives: -To enhance the conservatuion of Mughese forest through the establishment of policies. -To re-orient the attitudes and perception of the communities towards conservation of Mughese forest -To improve the livelihoods of 1500 community members surrounding Mughese forest through the promotion of beekeeping and sale of honey and beeswax candles at local markets -T o train the communities in preparation of nutritional and medicinal products -To share ways of reconnecting cultural values with existing nature

Malawi