The Malawi College of Forestry and Wildlife (MCFW), with support from WeForest, has successfully conducted a Community Scouting Training for forest guards in Phalombe District. The training, hosted at Likulezi Primary School, aimed at equipping local community members with the skills and knowledge required to safeguard forests and wildlife.

Participants were trained in forest law enforcement, patrol techniques, fire management, first aid, record keeping, and community sensitization. The program emphasized the critical role that communities play in protecting natural resources from threats such as illegal logging, charcoal burning, and wildfires.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Head of Further Training Unit (FTU) Aubrey Banda, commended the collaboration, stressing that local involvement is key to sustainable forest management:

“Community scouts are the first line of defense in forest protection. By empowering them with professional skills, we are ensuring that our forests and wildlife are preserved for future generations.”

WeForest’s Country Director Dr Mathews Tsirizeni and the Guest of Honor Mr.Joe Bangombe highlighted the significance of community-driven conservation, adding:

“When local people are empowered and supported, they become true custodians of the environment. This partnership is building resilience not only for forests but also for the livelihoods that depend on them.”

Graduates expressed pride in their new roles, with one scout noting:

“Before this training, I did not know how to stop a forest fire or how to report illegal logging. Now I feel prepared to help my community protect our natural resources.”

The newly trained community scouts will now be working with Department of Forestry staff across Phalombe and surrounding areas to assist with forest patrols, fire prevention, and environmental awareness campaigns.

This initiative is part of Department of Forestry and WeForest’s shared commitment to promoting sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change resilience in Malawi.