Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (Magla) director general Muchanakhwaye Mpuluka has challenged communities in Mulanje to strengthen efforts to protect Mount Mulanje.
Speaking on Monday during an awareness training of the mountain’s Unesco World Heritage Site status to tour guides, mountain porters and communities in Mnesa Village, Traditional Authority Sunganizeru, he said the mountain has amazing biodiversity that needs protection to sustain people’s livelihoods.
Said Mpuluka: “Sustainability of over 50 endemic species on the mountain depends on the involvement of communities to conserve the environment.
“We should not lose them because they make the mountain a major tourist attraction in the country. This has given people income over the years as they work as porters and tour guides, among others.”
Team Adventure chairperson Kondwani Chamwala said people should refrain from degrading the environment on the mountain for the status to stand.
“Precious cedar trees and the spiritual and traditional ceremonies on the mountain contributed to get the status. This is motivating people from all over the world to come to Mulanje and learn about our cultural and historical treasures,” he said.
Community member Robert Koleya commended Team Adventure for the training that equipped them with knowledge to own conservation efforts and popularise the mountain’s status.
“The mountain needs to be covered with trees to enhance resilience to effects of climate change apart from sustaining the status,” he said.
Team Adventure held the training with financial support from Magla.
