In the area of environment , SDI focus on biodiversity conservation, land dregradation and waste management.
Local Capacity Development Project: SDI received funding from GEF through UNDP/UNOPS to build capacity y of Local NGOs and CBOs in Malawi to effectively and efficiently develop, implement and report sustainable community based projects in GEF Focal areas (Biodiversity Conservation, Land Degredation, Climate Change and Pollution). A total 25 local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) working at grassroots enhanced their capacity project development, implementation and reporting (https://sgp.undp.org/spacial-itemid-projects-landing-page/spacial-itemid-project-search-results/spacial-itemid-project-detailpage.html?view=projectdetail&id=19159 )
Biodiversity Conservation- SDI has been promoting conservation of Misuku Key Biodiversity Area in Malawi. According to Birdlife Data Zone, over 100 species of birds have been recorded in Misuku Hills Forest Reserves. Misuku is an internationally known Important Bird Area (IBA). Through the Misuku Hills Arts hallenge programme, SDI would like to make Misuku Hills KBA an international destination for bird viewing in Malawi and Southern Africa. The project has therefore taken interest in raising awareness on bird species in Misuku Hills KBA.The project was featured in the Sixth National Report to The Convention on Biological Diversity, as an outstanding intervention in Malawi.(https://www.cbd.int/doc/nr/nr-06/mw-nr-06-en.pdf). More information on the project can also be acquired through thhis link; (https://www.cepf.net/grants/grantee-projects/misuku-hills-art-challenge-malawi)
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Global Enviroment Facility (GEF) Engagement - SDI has been actively involved in the GEF activities. The organisation is a founding member and current Chair of the Grassroots Enviroment Partners Network, a network of current and past GEF SGP grantees and local NGO working in GEF Focal Areas in Malawi. SDI is also a member of the GEF CSO network. It has represented CSOs at council meeting in Washington DC and GEF Expanded Constituency Workshops (ECWs) in Southern African Region
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Bangwe Environment and Water Sanitation Project- SDI has been implementing the programme in Bangwe township in Blantyre district with the aim of supporting conservation of Bangwe Hill Forest Reserve while providing clean and safe water . Cholera and other water borne diseases are some of the major disasters affecting semi-urban settlements in Malawi. In February 2010 there was a Cholera break out in Bangwe Township in the City of Blantyre. Communities are involved in supplying clean gravity fed water, tree planting and making forest management bylaws. SDI works with 2 water users associations (Mwamadi and Wisiki) to implement the project.
Before the project communities faced with problems poor acess to portable. They are also faced with Deforestation of Bangwe Hill.
SDI engages communities in harvesting water from Bangwe Hill using simple gravity fed system and rehabilitation of Bangwe Hill
After the project communities get clean portable water and in turn plant trees and encourage natural regeneration in Bangwe Hill. A win-win deal for the community and for the environment