The Nyika-Vwaza (UK) Trust Royal Geographical Society event - 8th Nov 2011
This is just a brief note to let those of you who were unable to attend our promotional and fundraising evening at the Royal Geographical Society in London on 8 November know how the Evening went.
We were delighted to welcome the Malawi Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture, the Honourable Mr. Daniel Liwimbi, together with the Charge D'Affaires at The Malawi High Commission in London, Mr. James Ali and his wife Bridget.
Prof. Jeff Burley, speaking on the topic "The changing role of forestry in conservation and development : why trees are good for Malawi" gave a wide-ranging and lucid explanation of how the environmental, economic and social spheres need to connect for forestry policies to become sustainable. He also made the important point that foresters – and other scientists – must present their arguments not merely for peer review but, just as vital, must connect with policy-makers and the media so that they can influence change. Copies of the lecture in booklet form can be obtained from Harry Foot, Stowford Farm, Harford, Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 0JD. Cost £6 including p&p.
Our Chairman, Tom Lupton, reported several important developments:
He congratulated the Hon. Minister and the Malawi Government for signing the long-awaited Nyika Trans Frontier Conservation Area project Financing Agreement with the World Bank, the Zambia Government and other participants. The NTFCA project will secure the continued sound management of the Nyika and Vwaza, together with adjacent protected areas in Zambia, for at least the next five years. It will also support the socio-economic development of the surrounding communities in both countries. Our Trusts have played an important part in advancing this project through advocacy and by demonstrating our effective operational capabilities within the parks. This culminated in our commitment to the World Bank to continue our funding at current levels for the next five years.
On the conservation front, a spate of orchid poaching is a real concern. On the plus side, two recent sightings of wild dogs on the Nyika, which haven’t been seen there for many years, suggests that the stock of animals is healthy.
In the last financial year, the UK Trust provided the Malawi Trust with over £53,000 to fund conservation work on the Nyika and in Vwaza – the largest amount we have provided to date in a single year.
The UK Trust has launched a prospectus, “Supporting our Projects”, that describes the purposes for which money is required. For more information on this, go to www.nyika-vwaza-trust.org/support/Projects-Funding.html
Peter Lawrance has been appointed as the UK Trust's next Hon. Secretary and Treasurer. Peter has long experience with the Commonwealth Development Corporation in Malawi (especially the north) in senior managerial and financial positions, and his wife Jane was born in Malawi. Peter will take over during 2012.
For a fuller account of the Evening, including the social elements, please see our website www.nyika-vwaza-trust.org
Finally, please note that we meet again at the RGS on Tuesday 6 November 2012.
