Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust

Description

Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust is an environmental trust that leads conservation of Malawi’s Mount Mulanje Biosphere Reserve. It was founded in 2000 with support from the UK’s Department for International Development, the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility. In 2005 it was renamed a Conservation Trust Fund and is based in Mulanje, in Malawi’s Southern Region.

MMCT works with Malawi’s Department of Forestry and other partners to raise awareness, involvement and understanding of biodiversity conservation and responsible management of natural resources in the Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve. It works to ensure local communities receive an equitable share of the benefits from the reserve. Its programs cover biodiversity conservation, research and monitoring, forest co-management, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental education.

MMCT partners with government departments, NGOs, community-based organisations, schools, faith-based organisations and individuals sharing its goals. Its objectives include improving the mountain’s ecosystem, reducing illegal harvesting, increasing community participation in resource management, and generating research to guide its programs. It was also partnered with the United States Agency for International Development.