Together, We Saved Michiru – Now, Let’s Help It Thrive Again!

One year ago, in January 2024, Michiru Mountain Forest was on the brink of collapse. Nearly 1,000 poachers had turned this treasured nature reserve into a charcoal hotspot, felling hundreds of trees daily.

We all endured the pain of watching Michiru perish. Michiru became a wasteland of fallen trunks and illegal kilns, its skies filled with smoke—a dangerous no-go zone for hikers and even rangers.

But we didn’t give up.

Thanks to your generous support to the Friends of Blantyre WESM, WESM Blantyre joined forces with the Communities around Michiru.

The Results Are Incredible

Together, we’ve transformed Michiru from a crisis zone into a beacon of hope. Here’s what we’ve achieved so far:

✔ Reduced poachers from 1,000 to +/- 20.

✔ Trained 320 Michiru Forest Community Scouts, with 120 still actively patrolling on a voluntary basis.

✔ Destroyed over 300 illegal charcoal kilns.

✔ Arrested 80 poachers, with 54 successfully prosecuted.

✔ Removed 100% of poachers from other districts.

And now, Michiru is back to life! The mountain is peaceful and safe, and we’re thrilled to share that hiking has resumed on its trails. Families, nature enthusiasts, and adventurers can now enjoy this sanctuary without fear.

This progress is a testament to the power of community action and your unwavering support. But the work isn’t done.

Help Us Regenerate Michiru

Now, it’s time to focus on the future.

We’re working with local communities, schools, and all Michiru lovers to:

🧭 Support the Michiru Forest Community Scouts so they can continue their vital patrols.

🌳🌳 Plant new indigenous trees through vibrant community nurseries, small food forests and beekeeping.

🥾🥾 Promote Michiru as a safe haven for wildlife, hikers, foreign visitors and the entire city of Blantyre.

Your donations made this transformation possible. With your continued support, we can ensure that Michiru not only survives but thrives for generations to come.

Join Us in Protecting the last Blantyre’s Mountain Forest!

Let’s turn this success story into a lasting legacy. Donate today and help us make Michiru a symbol of hope, resilience, and renewal.

Together, we can rebuild Michiru— one step at a time.