A Snapshot of the Experiences of a Young Environmental Defender: Seeking to Reconcile Human Needs and Sustainable Environmental Protection in a Least Developed Country (Ldc)
by Lester Ray Nanjala
Every corner of the world has been greatly impacted by the adverse effects of climate change and biodiversity loss, unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. As it stands, the socioeconomic and environmental outlook is uncertain, and the future is challenging as communities have experienced a further displacement in their livelihoods alluding to COVID 19. Hence, the need as never before, for more integrated alternative community livelihood interventions. Seeking to reconcile human needs and to accelerate sustainable recovery.
As the world begins adjusting to leaving with COVID-19 and move forward, we need to ensure communities are ready to rebuild with optimism and lead with resilience. We must work together towards creating a more sustainable future. And that, calls for vigilance. While it is almost impossible to change the whole world. We cannot underestimate the power of personal action and commitment in changing the small worlds and communities we leave in.
In Malawi, the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss seem to be unclear to a majority of Malawians. Hence, they less appreciate the values of protecting, conserving and restoring natural environments. Local communities view natural resources as solely resources to benefit from, rarely questioning the aftermath effects of overuse or abuse. This is particularly the case, because our natural resources have very little or no bearing in our economy, alluding to failure of our economic systems to value our reach expanse of resources. If and only if, the harsh implications of our disregard to environmental conservation and restoration were instant. Our leaders would understand more than just votes and money,
Since environmental dilemmas cut across various disciplinary bounds, and thus cannot be resolved from a single perspective. It is well recognized, that a sustainable recovery from the climate and biodiversity catastrophes require inputs from diverse approaches. Which calls upon us (youth) to take a leading role, to achieve sustainability. I am appalled with all the evidence, that points to the fact that we’ve been failed by our leaders, and those that lived before them. It is with a heavy heart that we must no longer rely on them for sustainable solutions. As it stands, we can only bank on the youth for a sustainable recovery, to make sustainable and informed choices and decisions as they decide their future and the future, they want for their children and great grandchildren.
For more than three decades, the youth in Malawi have been marginalised, in actions that strengthen the climate agenda. Despite the growing awareness of the need for intergenerational equity, being a young environmental defender, especially from a marginalised background, has proven to be challenging. My personal experience is a brief snapshot of the realities of a young environmental defender, seeking to identify barriers and protection gaps in the existing frameworks. And the opportunities that exist within rapid response mechanisms, in providing immediate support to young activists.
However, despite the growing challenges. Compelled by my passion and strong desire to be part of the global change. I am propelled full throttle, to change my world in strengthening youth climate ambition. To ensuring the recovery from climate change and biodiversity loss will be sustainable, and to building a more climate-conscious society.
Rebuilding an equitable world will surely take youth of forward-thinking, bold entrepreneurs driving systemic change. I am on a mission to Invest in more mission-driven community youth and students that are relentless in their pursuit of changing their lives for good. To reduce the economic effects of COVID 19, while contributing towards conservation and restoration of Mount Mulanje Biosphere Reserve.
Mt Mulanje is a biodiversity conservation site of global and national significance as it is the sole global habitat for over 250 endemic plant and animal species. These species are only found on Mt Mulanje and gives the mountain the highest terrestrial endemic biodiversity in Malawi. As such, Mt Mulanje is recognized as a Global Biosphere Reserve, a Key Biodiversity Area (Priority One), an Alliance for Zero Extinction Site, an Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot, an Important Bird Area, a Centre of Plant Diversity and locally a gazette Forest Reserve.
Currently, the Government of Malawi is undertaking the necessary documentary requirements for submission to UNESCO for reconsideration of the listing of Mt Mulanje as a World Heritage Site based on its outstanding universal value as an intangible cultural landscape. The submission reflects the Malawi Government's commitment to list Mt Mulanje to ultimate global recognition for international conservation status.
Since 2019, I have been working with Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM). WESM has since 1949 been working in conservation, biodiversity research and livelihood projects across Malawi. Our work in Mulanje and phalombe is uniquely concerned with restoration of Mount Mulanje Biosphere Reserve and Michesi Mountain Forest Reserve.
Specifically, my work around advocacy, environmental education and communications. Involves working in livelihoods, waste management, conservation and restoration (the endemic critically endangered Mulanje Cedar Widringtonia wytei and over 250 endemic species) projects. My work is particularly concerned, with developing learning environments and experiences that foster conservation and climate change agendas among community youth and students. Annually we engage over 3000 youth clubs and wildlife clubs in schools.
I am committed to achieving government goals and targets for environmental sustainability and the global goals of development. In the next 10-20 years, I hope to accomplish the visions of Malawi agenda 2063. accelerate youth progress on climate action and develop a knowledge and skill base that appropriately responds to pressures on the environment.
My greatest accomplishment came when my work was internationally recognized. I was invited by the UN secretary general’s envoy on youth as one of the two delegates for Malawi at Pre-Conference of Parties (Pre-COP26) Youth4climate summit. Convened by the government of Italy in September 2021. The Pre-COP26 summit provided young climate leaders from 190 countries. An unprecedented opportunity to put forward ideas and concrete proposals on some of the most pressing issues on the climate agenda.
About
Since 2019, Lester has been working with the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM). branch in Mulanje. WESM has since 1949 been working in livelihoods, pollution, waste management, conservation, restoration and research projects in Malawi. In Mulanje, WESM works towards conservation and restoration of Mount Mulanje Biosphere Reserve, Michesi Mountain Forest Reserve and Lake Chirwa wetland biosphere reserve (Ramsar site and UNESCO world heritage site).
His work with WESM-Mulanje has been uniquely concerned with Advocacy, Environmental Education, Communications and biodiversity research specifically towards conservation, protection and restoration of the endemic critically endangered Mulanje Cedar (Wydringtonia wytei). and 200 other endemic species His work involves fostering biodiversity conservation and climate change agendas among community youth and students.
Lester is committed to achieving government goals and targets for environmental sustainability and the global goals of development. In the next 10-20 years, he hopes to accomplish the vision of Malawi agenda 2063. accelerate youth progress on climate action and develop a knowledge and skill base that appropriately responds to pressures on the environment