Mulanje Mountain, the highest both in Malawi and South Central Africa, is a forest reserve that was gazetted as such in 1927. The mountain is composed of seynite, quarts-seynite and granite rock materials. These form a massif of approximately 500 square kilometres. The mountain is surrounded by densely populated plains situated at 600m-700m above sea level. From the plains, it rises abruptly to high plateau basins at 1800-1900m surmounted by rock peaks to its maximum attitude of 3,002m above sea level. The structure and altitude of the mountain have led to the development of a unique climate for the area, which is characterized by high rainfalls from November to April. This climate favors the development of unique ecology of rare and endemic life forms which contribute to the massif's high biodiversity. The high rainfall, deep ravine and dense vegetation have favored the birth of many rivers which supply reliable clean water to thousands of households in the surrounding plains. Due to the life-sustaining capabilities endowed upon this physical landmark, the people around the mountain have always looked upon it as a God-given and sacred reserve created to benefit mankind in a large number of ways. Thus traditional rites are performed there in time of need e.g. when praying for rain. It is for these reasons, among others, that the Mulanje mountain is singled out as an interesting feature scientifically, educationally, socially and for research purposes.

The land around the park is threatened by growing population, land use patterns such as forest clearing for farming and firewood, and invasive species such as Mexican pine and Himalayan Raspberry. The native Mulanje Cypress (Widdringtonia whytei) has been so heavily logged that it is considered endangered and the park contains the last remaining stands of this tree, as well as a number of other plant and animal species?many of them endemic to the area. Wild fires, biomass energy extraction, logging and encroachment are the top threats to the Mount Mulanje ecosystem. Dependence on biomass energy (both firewood and charcoal) means that there is energy poverty among Mulanje Mountain communities. Due to limited access to livelihoods options, people engage in charcoal and firewood trading and normally they realized about MK2,000 (US$14) a month. In the face of a government ban, charcoal and firewood trading lowers human dignity and self esteem as it underscores economic desperation by those involved.

The proposed project will seek to reduce dependence on biomass energy through sustainable utilization of climate-friendly and renewable energy. MMCT believes that implementation of the project will promote the conservation and management of natural resources of Mount Mulanje by working directly with firewood and charcoal entrepreneurs in alternative livelihood strategies like promotion of small businesses such as barbershops, battery charging, hair salons, TV shows, and telephone bureaus.

Project?s Main Objective
To promote the involvement of mountainous communities in the conservation and sustainable utilization of the natural resources and biodiversity of Mount Mulanje while improving and sustaining their own livelihoods




Implementation Strategy
? Sensitization of local communities (including youth groups) on biodiversity and energy conservation and management
? Promoting the utilization of affordable and renewable energy through distribution of 20-150Wp solar systems in 20 villages
? Promoting environmentally friendly alternative livelihood options for rural mountainous communities with emphasis on small scale businesses
? Promoting the forest cover of Mount Mulanje through tree planting
? Building the confidence of rural mountainous communities in making decision on energy, business development and management and environmental conservation issues

Key Project Outcomes
1. Increased public awareness on conservation and sustainable management of Mount Mulanje ecosystem
2. Increased micro/small enterprise opportunities and incomes for rural youths from sources other than biomass
3. Increased tree cover on Mount Mulanje through tree planting and improved management of existing trees and other types of vegetation
4.Increased utilization of renewable solar energy thus reducing emission of CO2
5. Increased knowledge and skills of rural youth in improved methods and techniques of conserving
energy

Sustainability of Project Results
1. Sensitization and training of rural communities on Mount Mulanje ecosystem conservation and management will have long lasting impacts
2. Involvement of rural communities through participatory approaches in all stages of the project planning and implementation will ensure community ownership.
3. Establishment and training of the community-based Solar Energy Clubs and district based Executive Solar Energy Committee and training of government extension workers in design, installation, and O & M for renewable solar energy equipment will help sustain project initiatives.
4. Alternative income generating activities tend to be sustainable because of the direct cash benefit to project participants.