Wilderness Community Trust

In an effort to encourage the return of big game, the communities have agreed to stop the practice of burning the forest and savannah, tree felling, snaring and hunting with dogs.

In a relatively short period the ecosystem has started to recover. Initially the bird life increased with the abundance of insects. Recently the numbers of small mammals are starting to increase , and it is hoped that this will encourage the return of the larger mammal species from the Niassa National Park, 150 km to the east.

Before the wars this was one of the best big game areas in the country and has always been known for its biodiversity. At present hunting is illegal, and the wildlife that was decimated during the civil war is slowly recovering. Species found in Niassa province include buffalo, zebra, elephant, lion, leopard, sable, roan antelope, and the rare African Wild Dog. The bird life is rich and varied. The crystal clear waters of the lake provide spectacular snorkelling and diving. The lake has about 1000 species of brightly coloured tropical fish, some of which have yet to be identified. Marine animals include two species of otter and occasional crocodiles.

How the Trust helps the communities:

• We buy all construction materials locally
• We are the largest employer in the Province
• All staff are from the surrounding area

The Trust arranges funds for community development projects (on the condition that the communities contribute to the project through free labour).

The Trust works closely with the community and involves them all in decision-making.

Examples Of Community Projects:

MALA VILLAGE
A school has been built with funds from UK churches and schools.

COBUE TOWN
Funds have been raised through the German Embassy in Maputo, to pay for a maize mill and a building for the mill. Funds are also available for the construction of a well. Work is already underway and it is hoped that this project will be soon finished.

MBUECA VILLAGE
The German Embassy has also promised funds for the construction of a school for this community. The community have already made the bricks and construction will start shortly.

MANDAMBUZI
Funds have been raised through schools in London to pay for the construction materials for a new school. The Governor of Niassa donated a roof and the community have made bricks. The Trust used the funds to buy cement and to pay for professional builders.

AGRICULTURE
The Trust has a volunteer, Nadia Bowes, who works with 5 communities to improve and diversify their agricultural and horticultural production, in a project, which is funded by the Irish government and individual donors. She has resources to buy 2 oil presses for early next year and is busy encouraging people to plant oil producing plants.

OPORTUN
The Trust works closely with a local NGO, OPORTUN, to mobilise, train and to generally organise the village development committees, which have been set up in each community. Funds have been raised through the Irish Aid office in Lichinga to pay for this project.

IN THE FUTURE
Our plan is to continue sinking water wells and building local school. The Trust hopes to expand its community projects to include the villages of Lukambwe, Magachi, Tulo and Lipolichi.

Role of Volunteer

We would like the volunteers to help with the projects organised by us.

The Trust is connected to the ecolodge Lake Niassa Lodge< where you can also volunteer.

Cost

US$120 per month - includes food and accommodation

Travel

Fly to Lilongwe and take the ferry to Likoma Island where we will pick the volunteers up by boat.