The Friends of Blantyre WESM (Wildlife & Environmental Society of Malawi)

To support the work of the Blantyre Branch of WESM (the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi ), by raising funds and publicizing its work through regular newsletters. . WESM was founded in Blantyre in 1947 as a not-for-profit organisation to conserve and protect the wildlife and environment of Malawi. . Blantyre Branch leads WESM’s activities in seven districts covering the southern third of the country. We have one employee, our clubs co-ordinator, and a committee of active volunteers. The main activities are To support Malawi National Parks, by to providing ranger accommodation and visitor centres; paying rangers a snare bounty as an incentive to reduce poaching . To support over 400 school and community wildlife clubs (representing over 25,000 people mostly young people at school). Our clubs co-ordinator and volunteers regularly give talks to wildlife clubs. Clubs are offered practical support and sometimes seeds/tools, not money. Help to organise educational visits to parks and protected areas. Support to start and run tree nurseries, by providing tools and recycled plastic milk bags donated by branch members. Training for club leaders in different environmental issues including: permaculture, waste management, tree nursery establishment, sustainable land management and how to run a wildlife club, with fun and educational environmental activities.