Eddings Shuga Mkandawire (ELP 2024) | Executive Chairperson, Nyika Vwaza Association, Malawi

As we approach the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on  Biological Diversity (CBD), the theme of "Peace with Nature" feels especially poignant.  In my work with the Nyika Vwaza Association under the Kulera REDD+ Project in  Malawi, we have embraced this philosophy by fostering a harmonious relationship  between local communities and the environment, building a foundation for lasting  conservation.

One of the most significant milestones in my personal development has been the  opportunity to attend COP29 this year. It has been an inspiring experience, reminding  me of the power of collective action in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change. However, my journey towards "peace with nature" doesn't end at international  conferences. It also takes shape at the grassroots level, where meaningful change begins.

In recent months, we initiated a groundbreaking partnership with the University of  Livingstonia, aligning with the Environmental Management Students Organisation  (EMASO). This collaboration aims to equip local communities with practical  conservation skills, such as beekeeping and forest management. We are working  together to ensure that these communities not only learn but also take ownership of  their natural resources. This has been a transformative step, particularly as students  are now actively engaging in hands-on projects, reinforcing both learning and local  conservation efforts.

On a more localized scale, we have been working tirelessly to engage our  communities in mass awareness meetings, creating an informed and proactive society  in addressing environmental issues. No longer reactive, these communities are  becoming conservation advocates. Recently, we achieved another first by engaging  traditional leaders who serve as patrons of our Zone Natural Resources Committees.  Bringing these leaders together has sparked new energy in our conservation  initiatives, and their guidance will ensure more cohesive and effective environmental governance.

Our efforts to establish "peace with nature" are not only seen in governance but also  in sustainable livelihoods. Our small-scale livestock program, which provides goats,  pigs, and chickens to community members, has evolved to include livestock training  before any distribution. The results have been remarkable, with a 95% survival rate for the animals this year, a significant improvement from the 70% rate we experienced  last year. This shows the value of knowledge sharing and community preparation in fostering resilience and success. [Left Photo: Distribution of livestock a Kawala zone, Rumphi, Malawi]

Similarly, our village-level woodlot and forest creation initiatives have shifted. Rather  than simply distributing seedlings, we now empower villages to establish their own  nurseries. This approach has led to the creation of over 20,000 nurseries this year fostering this sense of ownership, communities are becoming the true stewards of their  forests, ensuring sustainability for generations to come.

[Photos: Tree Nursery Creation at Mphanda zone, Chitipa, Malawi]

In addition to these initiatives, we have piloted a new intervention: aquaculture. So far, we have supported the excavation of 20 fishponds, and we are now in the process of sourcing fingerlings to further support the communities. This program has the potential to significantly enhance local food security and provide an alternative income source, further strengthening the link between conservation and livelihoods.

The theme of "Peace with Nature" resonates deeply with the work we are doing.  Whether through international conferences, academic partnerships, or community driven projects, the pursuit of harmony between people and the environment is not just  a goal, but a journey—one that requires constant learning, adaptation, and  collaboration. As we continue to build bridges between conservation and livelihoods, I  am confident that we can create a world where both humanity and nature thrive together.

Blog cover image: Awareness meeting at Mlare Zone, Karonga, Malawi

Blog photos provided by the blog author, Eddings Shuga Mkandawire.