The second phase of the USAID-financed Malawi Environmental Monitoring Program was initiated on March 14, 1996 with the execution of the Cooperative Agreement (Award No. 690-0235-A-00-6060-00. The program is a continuation and expansion of technical assistance provided to the Government of Malawi by the University of Arizona and Clark University in the area of environmental monitoring and institutional capacity building that began in 1994 with funding from the USAID’s Agricultural Sector Assistance Program in Malawi. In addition to continued support for environmental monitoring and training in spatial analysis for environmental concerns, the COAG included a new component, the Public Lands Utilization Study (PLUS). The primary objective of PLUS is to provide biophysical data and social information associated with publicly-held lands and their use in order to assist decision-making processes concerning the optimal use of public lands. While the PLUS component is anticipated to be of approximately one year duration, the estimated completion date specified in the COAG is September 30, 1998.

On March 20, 1996, the COAG was amended (Modification 1) to allow for the expansion of long and short-term technical assistance to support the Government of Malawi in the area of environmental policy, legislation, and capacity building as part of the implementation program for NATURE, the Natural Resources Management and Environmental Support Program. One long-term technical assistance position, an Environmental Policy Technical Advisor, was funded for a three year period. In addition, the modification provided for fifteen person months of short-term technical assistance, also to be scheduled over a three year period. While implementation of the program funded under this modification will require continuing project activities until approximately June 30, 1999 (thirty-six months following placement of the EPTA), the estimated completion date of the COAG has not been amended.

Thanks to continued funding under the SARSA program while awaiting signature of the Cooperative Agreement, Mr. Burger was able to remain in Malawi and actively pursued his responsibilities as the Environmental Monitoring Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs. Hiring of the PLUS Field Coordinator and the Environmental Policy Technical Advisor has been completed and the recruitment of the Environmental Scientist position has been initiated.

A subcontract agreement has been approved with AAIC to continue the development of a pilot Area Sample Frame in Mangochi Agricultural Development District. This activity was initiated in 1995 under a subcontract with the SARSA Program. With the completion of that program, it was necessary to arrange for continued funding under the Malawi Environmental Monitoring Program. A subcontract has also been completed with Clark University to cover their responsibilities in implementing the MEMP.

On May 11, 1996, Mr. Barron Orr, PLUS Field Coordinator arrived in Malawi and began preparations for implementation of the study. Formal presentations were prepared for USAID Mission staff, senior officials in the Ministry of Land Valuation and other participants in relevant GOM agencies. The Ministry of Land Valuation is the oversight ministry for the three land use studies that are to be conducted. The other two studies will focus on estate sector and smallholder land use respectively.

On May 21, 1996, Bob Hall, the UA Project Manager arrived in Lilongwe to assist in the development of the project’s 1996-97 Annual Workplan. Hall participated in sessions of an on-going Results Framework workshop at USAID, focusing on the development of intermediate results for the Missions Strategic Objective number 2, viz., "to increase the sustainable use, conservation and management of Malawi’s renewable natural resources." Intensive working sessions were also held with MoREA staff, line agency technical staff and senior officials, and especially with the personnel in the Environmental Monitoring Unit of MoREA.

A workshop hosted by MoREA to assist in developing monitoring program priorities and a consensual strategy for environmental monitoring was held in Salima on June 3, 1996. Representatives from all participating agencies, a number of ADDs, and the University of Malawi campuses all actively joined in the review of past performance and future priorities for the Malawi Environmental Monitoring program.

A draft Annual Workplan including a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan was presented to the SO2 team at the USAID Mission on June 18. The USAID Program Manager and other participants commented positively on the content and format of the AWP and Monitoring Plan, while making a number of useful suggestions for revisions. The final version of the workplan was resubmitted to the Mission with the requested revisions in place.

On June 9, 1996, the Environmental Policy Technical Advisor, Dr. Tony Seymour, arrived in Lilongwe and began implementation of his component of the UA/CU program of technical assistance. Dr. Seymour participated in the development and revision of the AWP and met formally with the relevant Government of Malawi officials and USAID staff to discuss implementation strategies and requirements for the NATURE program. On June 17, 1996 he was able to move into an office in the Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs.

At this early point in the project, there are no obvious barriers to successful implementation. The heavy logistical requirements of the start-up stage will tax field staff and administrative staff at the home office, but all key activities appear to be on track as the first quarter ends. Procurement of vehicles for the PLUS component and the EPTA has been initiated. The intention to purchase a reconditioned vehicle for the PLUS component was not accepted by the Regional Grant Officer and budget resources have had to be reassigned to allow for purchase of a new 4wd vehicle.