Luwawa centre for
environmental education
Education is key.
The Luwawa Centre for Environmental Education (LCEE) was launched in November 2021, and it is situated on the banks of the Luwawa Dam within the Luwawa Environmental Protection Zone. The LCEE is managed by the Luwawa Environmental Trust and currently environmental trainings and awareness programs are being offered to school groups and local communities around Luwawa.
Environmentally friendly resources and methods were utilised in construction of the centre, with local skilled carpenters to ensure a harmonious structure with minimal environmental effects. The design of the Centre enables it to be operated “off grid” harnessing alternative energy supplied by solar panels and supplemented by a wind turbine and a micro-hydro scheme. The location affords the Centre with a most exquisite view across the Dam and the surrounding forest.
Garnering the support and encouraging the participation of local communities, is fundamental to achieving sustainable practices if LET is to “stem” the cycle of ecological decline. Education is key and the primary objective of the Luwawa Centre, and its outreach program, is to help Malawian school children to appreciate their own natural resources and, in addition, to understand the vital role forest eco-systems play. LCEE also focuses on the importance of maintaining water quality and why it is important to the sustainable management of resources. We cannot expect young and old alike to take responsibility for their environment seriously if they have never had the opportunity to explore an indigenous forest or witness the complex interacting network of an ecosystem at first-hand. Environmental education is not just for the young but for all.
The importance of Environmental Education in protecting forests
If local communities are to build livelihoods beyond subsistence farming and using natural resources to their detriment then appropriate environmental education is required alongside a pro-active conservation message and support for sustainable income generation. The ability to present and consistently reinforce the message to local communities via the Outreach Programme will play a vital role.
Environmental education regionally can benefit the community both socially and economically. From a sustainable income perspective there is the possibility of inspiring a generation of Environmental Champions, Forest Guardians, Community Guides, Sustainable Income Advisors, Flora & Fauna Experts, Community Permaculture Advisors, Environmental Scientists, Alternative Energy Advocates and others… we just need to ignite that passion.
Through the work of the Luwawa Centre for Environmental Education, it is hoped that education endeavours will continue. It is only through quality and meaningful environmental education together with community involvement will the area survive as a place of special biodiversity and also an area of income generation opportunities through Eco-Tourism and the work of the Trust.
We hope that LCEE will be a hub To Promote Eco Tourism and sustainable use of the LEPZ in order to create meaningful jobs and set up sustainable income generating groups for local people.
If you would like to make a donation to the educational work of the LCEE please contact us.
If local communities are to build livelihoods beyond subsistence farming and using natural resources to their detriment then appropriate environmental education is required alongside a pro-active conservation message and support for sustainable income generation. The ability to present and consistently reinforce the message to local communities via the Outreach Programme will play a vital role.
Environmental education regionally can benefit the community both socially and economically. From a sustainable income perspective there is the possibility of inspiring a generation of Environmental Champions, Forest Guardians, Community Guides, Sustainable Income Advisors, Flora & Fauna Experts, Community Permaculture Advisors, Environmental Scientists, Alternative Energy Advocates and others… we just need to ignite that passion.
Through the work of the Luwawa Centre for Environmental Education, it is hoped that education endeavours will continue. It is only through quality and meaningful environmental education together with community involvement will the area survive as a place of special biodiversity and also an area of income generation opportunities through Eco-Tourism and the work of the Trust.
We hope that LCEE will be a hub To Promote Eco Tourism and sustainable use of the LEPZ in order to create meaningful jobs and set up sustainable income generating groups for local people.
If you would like to make a donation to the educational work of the LCEE please contact us.
