At Green Vision Environmental Organization (GREVO), we are proud to share the ongoing impact of our flagship initiative, “Promotion of Natural Tree Regeneration & Cleaner Cooking Stoves”, currently being implemented in the heart of Rumphi District. Supported by the UNDP Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, this project represents our integrated approach to tackling two deeply connected challenges in rural Malawi, environmental degradation and energy poverty.
Our initiative is grounded in a two-pronged strategy that combines forest restoration with sustainable, clean energy solutions, creating lasting benefits for both people and nature.
Restoring Forests through Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR)
We are revitalizing five key Village Forest Areas, Masasa 1 & 2, Mweyeye, Matamba, and Chadimba, using Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) techniques. Unlike conventional reforestation efforts that rely heavily on planting new trees, ANR focuses on protecting and encouraging the growth of naturally occurring tree stumps and seedlings. This allows native species to reclaim their space, restores ecological balance, and strengthens local biodiversity.
Our communities are fully engaged in the process. Local residents have taken the lead in demarcating forest boundaries, enforcing community by-laws, and constructing firebreaks to protect the regenerating forests from seasonal wildfires. These actions not only safeguard environmental progress but also empower community members to become stewards of their natural resources.
Cleaner Cooking Solutions; Stoves Now in Use
In parallel with our conservation work, we have rolled out energy-efficient NJASKO cookstoves across participating villages. These stoves, manufactured locally to promote sustainability and economic empowerment and are already in use by community members. Early feedback has been extremely positive.
The stoves reduce firewood consumption by an estimated 60%, helping to preserve nearby forests while easing the burden on women and children who typically collect firewood. More importantly, the stoves significantly reduce indoor air pollution, which is a leading cause of respiratory illnesses in rural households. With the first 150 stoves already distributed and being used daily, families are experiencing immediate health and economic benefits.
Empowering Communities and Fostering Ownership
So far, over 200 local residents have participated in hands-on training workshops covering sustainable forest management, ANR practices, and stove maintenance. These sessions are designed to ensure local ownership and long-term success. we have been blending traditional ecological knowledge with modern approaches, as a way to foster strong community involvement and increasing the chances of lasting impact.
Already, families are reporting noticeable changes, from reduced time spent gathering wood to cleaner indoor air and improved cooking experiences.
Encouraging Early Results and Future Vision
Early environmental indicators are promising. Forest areas under regeneration are showing improved vegetation density, and households using the stoves are reporting fewer cases of smoke-related illnesses. The dual nature of our work, supporting both ecological recovery and community health is proving to be not only effective, but deeply transformative.
Looking ahead, we are actively working to expand this initiative to more villages across Rumphi and beyond, depending on the availability of further funding and partnerships. We are committed to monitoring our long-term impact in areas such as biodiversity recovery, carbon sequestration, and the socioeconomic wellbeing of participating households.
The goal is to create greener landscapes, cleaner homes, and more resilient communities.
Green Vision Environmental Organization (GREVO)