Deforestation and forest degradation are among the most pressing developmental challenges facing Malawi today. Rampant unregulated deforestation negatively impacts crop production and livelihood security, nutrition and public health, and national economic development, undermining hard-fought development gains and leaving Malawi less resilient to climate change. Unaccounted billions of kwacha are lost as a result of deforestation—stemming from poor management and the illicit trade enabled by corruption. Forest crime is increasingly organised, accompanied by the hallmarks of collusion, intimidation, and violence. Energy costs are spiralling. This dossier is intended to draw attention to Malawi’s deepening deforestation crisis. It features seven investigative reports, each conducted by a top environmental journalist on a topic of their choice, developed and published through their respective media outlets. A panel of experts have also submitted their opinion.
Journalists are sounding the alarm, and we all have a duty to respond.