The boat pitched violently against the waves of Lake Malawi, and Ellas Kondowe gripped the edge, trying to keep his balance. “Some days, the lake feels like it’s testing us,” she laughs nervously. “But we cannot stay home. These trees are our future.”
Kondowe is one of many residents along the Mlowe–Tchalo–Msuku corridor who wasparticipating in the MTM Lakescape Community-Based Forest Management Project, implemented by Church and Society Programme with support from United Nations Development Programme. The project operated in hard-to-reach areas where strong winds, intermittent mobile networks, and fuel shortages made even simple activities a challenge.
Yet, the communities persisted. Village Natural Resource Management Committees (VNRMCs) and zone leaders meticulously planened tree planting and monitoring visits, often mobilising participants a week in advance. When boats cannot cross or fuel is scarce, residents walk long distances, carry seedlings by hand, or improvise solutions to keep the project on track.
“These obstacles taught us resilience,” said Simbota Mkandawire, a VNRMC leader. “Even when the lake is rough or phones don’t work, we find ways to make it happen. Protecting our forests is worth every struggle.”
CSP Project Officer Glory Chumbi added, “What impresses me most is the determination. Communities here are not waiting for help, they lead, innovate, and protect both their forests and their future.”
Their perseverance is paying off. So far, 7,000 trees have been planted across 263 hectares, blending with naturally regenerating forests. With a 95% survival rate, the seedlings have managed to regenerate the landscape, prevent soil erosion, and mitigate climate change.
For Ellas Kondowe, the work is deeply personal. “Every seedling I water reminds me that our children will inherit something green, strong, and alive. Even if it’s hard, every small effort counts,” she said, smiling at the growing rows of young trees.
