The main objectives of the Community Outreach Programme as stated by the Mlawula management plan (1996) are:

• To improve relations between the nature reserve and adjacent communities.
• To assist local communities in the natural resources both with in and around the nature reserve.
• To assist local communities in improving their quality of life through income generation, education and other social projects.

Conservation of Endangered Medicinal Plants through Homeopathy

This is a collaborative project, involving traditional medicinal practitioners, the ENTC and the Eswatini Homeopathy Project. The initiative was begun in 2015, initially focussing on Warburgia salutaris (Pepperbark tree, sibhaha), then on Siphonochilus aethiopicus (African ginger, sidvungolo), and currently on Alepidea cordifolia (previously known as Alepidea amatymbica, likhatsato). The selection of the species for this project was determined by the opinions of the traditional medicinal practitioners, based on scarcity and desirability.

With regard to Warburgia, tree seedlings were sourced and distributed to the traditional healers to grow for themselves, and some were planted at selected localities within Mlawula Nature Reserve. The tree seedlings have in general done well, with many still surviving, some now almost almost metres tall. Unfortunately, attempts to obtain viable seed from the Warburgia trees naturally occurring with the reserve have not yet been successful.

More information on the Endangered Medicinal Plants Project.

Beekeeping Project

Beekeeping is carried out in the Mhlumeni and Shewula communities. Initially, the hives were set up within the nature reserve, near the entrance gate, but there were problems with the hives being raided by honey badgers. The Mlawula COP works iwth the communities on this project, the project being a means of income generation for the communities, who harvest honey and beeswax. The beeswax is used for candle making and cosmetic purposes, and the honey is eaten and sold.

Resources and Funding Requirements

The following inputs are required for the continued improvement and expansion of the Community Outreach Programme:

• Funding for workshops
• Educational materials
• Physical commutment from communities
• COP/EEP personnel training
• Funding for meetings
• Materials for constructing project components
• Materials for curriculum development and publications