The Chikangawa Forest Reserve, also known as the Viphya Plantation, is a man-made forest in the South Viphya Forest Reserve in Chikangawa, Malawi.[1][2] It was established in 1948 and covers 1147.8 square kilometers. The forest is mainly composed of exotic pine trees. It is home to the Viphya Plantation, which was established in 1964 in a failed attempt to grow construction timber. The forest reserve is home to several native evergreen montane forests. The reserve was established to conserve the natural forests of the Viphya Mountains in Malawi.[3] The forest provides a habitat for various plant and animal species, and supports sustainable forest management practices.[4]
| Chikangawa Forest Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Geography | |
| Location | Northern Region, Malawi |
| Coordinates | 11°49′S 33°51′E / 11.81°S 33.85°E |
| Area | 1,147.8 km2 (443.2 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| Status | State-managed man-made forest reserve |
| Established | 1948 |
| Governing body | Department of Forestry |
History
edit
Chikangawa Forest Reserve was established in 1948 as a protected area to conserve the natural forests of the Viphya Mountains in Malawi. The reserve was created to protect the indigenous forests and water sources in the area. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region and providing timber and other forest products.
Geography
editIt covers an area of approximately 1,150 square kilometers.[3]
Achievements
editChikangawa Forest Reserve has achieved significant milestones in conservation and sustainable forest management. It has maintained a high level of forest cover, providing habitat for various plant and animal species. The reserve has also supported local communities through sustainable forest management practices.[3]
Mission
editThe mission of the reserve is to conserve and manage the forest resources sustainably, while providing benefits to local communities and supporting national development. The vision of the reserve is to maintain a healthy and productive forest ecosystem that supports biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, and community development. The aim of Chikangawa Forest Reserve is to balance conservation and sustainable use of forest resources, ensuring the long-term health of the forest ecosystem.[3]
Management
editThe reserve is managed by the Department of Forestry, which is responsible for implementing conservation and management activities.
Activities
editThe reserve supports various activities, including sustainable timber harvesting, ecotourism, and research. It also provides a habitat for various plant and animal species, including endangered species like the Mulanje cedar and the red colobus monkey.[3]
Incidents
edit
On 10 June 2024, a Malawian Defence Force Dornier 228 carrying Vice-President of Malawi Saulos Chilima, former First Lady Patricia Shanil Muluzi, and seven other occupants, crashed in Chikangawa Forest Reserve in Nkhata Bay District; all on board died.
At the time of the crash, the aircraft and its passengers were en route from Lilongwe to Mzuzu Airport in the Northern Region to attend a funeral.[5][6]References
edit- ^ Bisani, Luke (14 November 2016). "Chikangawa Forest closed, MDF soldiers to guard it Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ Chikoti, Martha (14 February 2017). "Government warns over deforestation in Chikangawa forest Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Activist Kajoloweka calls for audit into Viphya Plantation: 'Malawi must stop Chikangawa forest plunder' - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 6 June 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ https://www.protectedplanet.net/country/MW
- ^ Gondwe, Gregory and Imray, Gerald (11 June 2024). "Malawi's vice president and 9 others are confirmed dead after their plane's wreckage is found". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 11 June 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
- ^ "UTM Raises Transparency Concerns Over Missing VP's Plane". AfricaBrief. 11 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.