The relationship between healthy communities and healthy ecosystems is a symbiotic one, with the well-being of one inextricably linked to the other. Global reports, such as those from the World Health Organisation, have highlighted how environmental degradation drives a range of human health issues, from respiratory illnesses to malnutrition. This intrinsic connection is intertwined beyond a simple case study, yet we can begin to understand the relationship by reflecting on our Forests for Life Project in Mulanje, Malawi.

Since 2019, Greenpop has been working in partnership with the Mulanje Mission Hospital (MMH) and its Sustainable Livelihoods Programme to tackle the roots of environmental degradation and threats to human health within the bioregion of Mulanje. This collaboration has proven to be a prime example of how long-term, symbiotic partnerships can yield significant and tangible environmental impact. MMH has a long history of community interventions and an extensive pre-existing network, reaching approximately 100,000 people and focusing on improved livelihoods, food security, and human health. We believe that this project is a model for effective and holistic environmental impact, which other organisations can refer to in order to inform their restoration strategies and approaches.

Hence, MMH is uniquely positioned to lead this collaborative restoration project in Mulanje, which is a testament to how effective landscape restoration isn’t just about planting trees. It’s about uplifting local communities through capacity building, providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, and ultimately, fostering human health and well-being.

Breaking the Vicious Cycle

The context in Malawi is complex. With a high population growth rate of 3.2% and poverty levels reaching over 60%, unsustainable resource use has become a widespread challenge, alongside the country suffering some of Africa’s highest rates of deforestation. Overutilisation of natural forests, primarily for subsistence fuel wood and charcoal production, is a key driver of forest loss. This environmental degradation creates a vicious cycle, directly affecting communities by making them more vulnerable to climate-related hazards and impacting their livelihoods. For instance, climate change is expected to lead to a reduction in crop yields of up to 50% on the African continent (read more here), which directly links to food insecurity and poor nutrition, key determinants of human health.

The Solution: FLR in Mulanje

To strive towards breaking this cycle, the project uses a Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) approach. This is an ongoing process of regaining ecological functionality and enhancing human well-being across deforested or degraded landscapes. It goes beyond merely planting trees and involves restoring an entire landscape for multiple benefits and land uses over time. Greenpop and MMH’s approach involves:

• Tree Planting and Natural Regeneration: We actively plant a range of indigenous trees sourced from community-run nurseries. We also encourage natural regeneration to help forests recover. This work is vital for climate change mitigation and adaptation, which is fundamental to public health in a country increasingly affected by severe weather events. Since 2019, the project has conserved over 30 hectares and planted more than 30,000 trees.
• Community Training: Communities receive training on sustainable practices like natural resource management, improved cookstove technology, and forest beekeeping. This directly reduces the dependency on forests for fuelwood and creates more sustainable livelihoods.
• Sustainable Livelihoods: Creating alternative and sustainable livelihoods is key to reducing  pressure on natural resources. Linking these alternative income sources to forest restoration and protecting recovering forestland, like community based nurseries and beekeeping that create direct income from areas that are reforested, both go a long way to catalyse resilience and preserve resources.
• Crop Diversification: The project also provides cash crop seeds, such as bird’s eye chillies, sesame, and soybeans, along with natural fertiliser starter kits. This improves soil health and agricultural yields, which directly links to improved food security and nutrition within the communities.

The Ripple Effect of Restoration

The restoration activities have had a powerful and direct impact on the health and well-being of the locals. While the challenges in Mulanje remain a daily reality for the locals, the project has created some relief through:

• Economic Benefits: Through beekeeping, honey production, and community-led nurseries, valuable new income sources have been created. These sustainable livelihoods improve financial stability, a key determinant of health. Some communities have even achieved self-sustainability and opened bank accounts linked to their nursery profits.
• Food Security and Income: Crop diversification and improved soil health are increasing crop yields for small-scale farmers, providing more stable sources of income and food.
• Resilience: The project helps communities build social, ecological, and economic resilience against climate change and natural disasters.
• Awareness: A powerful mindset shift has occurred. Farmers now recognise the long-term financial benefits of conservation over the short-term gains from cutting trees. This promotes a more sustainable relationship with the environment, leading to long-term health benefits for the community.

Next Steps

During our recent field visit to Malawi, a key activity was conducting a Bioregional Baseline Assessment and conducting a Bioregional Mapping and Strategy process. This comprehensive approach considers social, ecological, economic, and cultural dimensions of the landscape, and convenes a wide range of stakeholders, including the Department of Forestry, MMH, MMCT, WeForest, Greenpop, local chiefs, and traditional leaders. The goal was to gain a holistic perspective and strategy to enhance coordination, and co-develop a bioregional strategy to strengthen the local economy and environment.

The next phase of this initiative involves sharing the baseline assessment and strategic report with all the stakeholders and attendees of the Bioregional Strategy workshop. Additionally, we plan to invite these groups to contribute to a shared Bioregional Knowledge Hub. This hub will serve as a centralized library for data, reports, updates, and research, providing up-to-date information on the work happening in the region. By harnessing this collective knowledge base, we aim to develop more effective fundraising and communication strategies, to further our collaborative efforts.

Looking to the Horizon of Mulanje

The project has determined that community engagement and capacity building are key in yielding holistic, impactful environmental restoration. It has been nothing short of inspiring and gratifying imparting knowledge and practical experience to community members, enabling them to protect and restore their landscapes while bearing their fruits sustainably, thereby improving their health and well-being.

Our work is far from over. We seek to provide more relief in Mulanje and alleviate the local ecosystems and communities from the harsh realities the region faces. Be a part of the movement and support the Forests for Life Project in Mulanje, Malawi. By contributing, you are making a significant difference in building a more resilient and greener future for the locals and landscape of Mulanje.