At AP Sensing, innovation, creativity, and inspiration thrive. As we celebrate Earth Day, did you realize that alongside these virtues, we grow 2-3 trees per employee every workday? 

With years invested in AP Sensing's tree planting initiative with our partner WeForest, we're thrilled to announce that we have grown 270,000 trees – the equivalent of 236 football pitches! This achievement reflects our dedication to making a tangible difference in the world around us.

Restoration/Co-Management

WeForest has been working to protect and regenerate around 8 million trees of 35 different species since the start of this project. They support the Forestry Department through conducting law enforcement and ranger patrols. Fire management is also conducted by establishing firebreaks and conducting early controlled burning. By the end of 2024, 3390 hectares of Mulanje and Phalombe are expected to be protected through co-management with WeForest. 

Livelihoods

Improvements to household income and quality of life are the focus of WeForest’s livelihood program. WeForest’s agroforestry scheme (integration of trees and crops), aims to increase the sustainable supply of fuelwood to reduce pressure on the forest. Species of tree species are selected based on community preference, and the priority of benefit (fuelwood, poles/timber, or crop productivity). Currently over 75,000 seedlings have been planted (impacted by the cyclone of March 2023). 

Stewardship and Governance

Consultation was a priority in 2023 toward stakeholders, staff and external forestry experts. What's more is WeForest has expressed that a process of Free Prior and Informed Consent is conducted within communities (to be able to vote in acceptance of a project in the area or not). One challenge this year was deforestation in relation to charcoal production. To combat this, 26 community volunteers were trained in law enforcement in collaboration with the Malawi College of Forestry. Additionally, 55 uniforms and boots were provided by WeForest through the District Forestry Office for use of patrol. 

What’s Next?

•  50 new farmers will be selected and trained in 2024 (after which they are set up for agroforestry). 
• 250,000 seedlings in Mulanje and Phalombe will be raised. 
• This means 5000 seedlings per farmer will be raised.

A survey was conducted by WeForest using 498 households in 2023 to measure the impact of their activities. This final report is under development, a needs assessment/scoping exercise will be introduced, and Area Development Committee meetings will be continued to introduce projects to communities.