The Forest Spoke To Me
A recent visit to Malawi included a 2 hour safari at Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Malawi’s oldest and largest reserve. This park is an untouched wilderness of rugged scenery and includes a reintroduction of wildlife. Now, that might sound like a bit of a jolly, a nice perk or day out but it was far more than that. It was and always had been intended to be research in comparing original, old growth rural landscapes with that outside its borders, which have largely been devastated by deforestation.
Just entering the park you could feel the cool breeze. It’s between 5-10 degrees cooler in a forested area and when tempratures reach in excess of 40, it’s of vital importance. The deep roots allow for the steady absorbtion of water keeping the land moist, mushrooms confirming the healthy soil beneath.
Scattered amongst the trees were ponds for animals to drink from, something lacking in every village we work. And streams, they flowed gently, meandering down to the Boa River. This is more than poetry as they promote streamside vegitation, help filter out polution and replenish underground permeable rock.
In essence, these things, the canopy, soil quality, water source and biodiversiity found in the forest, reflect the overall health of the environment - when they thrive, so does the planet. Compact is making an immediate impact with solar wells and invests in the next generation with its restorative tree planting.
New Project: Aaron
We are delighted to report the commencement of our fourth project at the village of Aaron, about 10 minutes drive from Kawiri. We investigated this location 14 months ago and found it very suitable and the people enthusiastic.
It’s important that we work in close proximity to previous sites and build both momentum, while maximizing the impact. These villages are served by the same watershed which means other locations, aside from a primary project, benefit from the ridges being dug and rural landscaping.
Chisomo Mainje lead the induction with further talks from Domonic and Kevin. With great joy and singing the people received the initial tools and teaching that will get them on the way to being another healthier Malawian community.
