FY2018 Annual Activity Report: Protecting Ecosystems and Restoring Forests in Malawi (PERFORM)

The project's objectives are to advance Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) readiness, increase low-emissions land use opportunities, improve low-emissions development capacities, institute pathways for sustainability, and advance Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) priorities of integration and institutional strengthening. The project's premise is that achieving these objectives will help Malawian institutions and communities conserve forests and promote green growth, ultimately contributing to the United States Agency for International Development Malawi (USAID/Malawi) CDCS goal of improving Malawians' quality of life. Fiscal Year 2018 was a productive year for PERFORM, with implementation focus on the approved FY2018 Annual Work Plan. The project made significant progress in advancing REDD+ readiness, with notable achievements including the development of a National Forest Landscape Restoration Strategy (NFLRS) and the establishment of a National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS). PERFORM also increased low-emissions land use opportunities through the promotion of sustainable agriculture practices and the establishment of community-managed forest landscapes. In addition, the project improved low-emissions development capacities through the provision of training and capacity-building programs for government officials, civil society organizations, and private sector entities. PERFORM also instituted pathways for sustainability by supporting the development of policies and regulations that promote sustainable land use and forest conservation. The project's achievements in Fiscal Year 2018 were made possible through close coordination with USAID/Malawi and other stakeholders, including the Government of Malawi, civil society organizations, and the private sector. The project's success in achieving its objectives has contributed to the conservation of forests and the promotion of green growth in Malawi, ultimately improving the quality of life for Malawians. The PERFORM project's implementation focus in Fiscal Year 2018 was on the approved FY2018 Annual Work Plan, which proceeded largely on schedule across project objectives. The project remained flexible and adapted to opportunities as they arose, including opportunities to support USAID/Malawi to expand Enhanced Capacities for Low-Emissions Development Strategies (EC-LEDS) programming in Malawi. The project's achievements in Fiscal Year 2018 were significant, with notable progress made in advancing REDD+ readiness, increasing low-emissions land use opportunities, improving low-emissions development capacities, and instituting pathways for sustainability. The project's success in achieving its objectives has contributed to the conservation of forests and the promotion of green growth in Malawi, ultimately improving the quality of life for Malawians. The PERFORM project's implementation in Fiscal Year 2018 was characterized by a strong focus on collaboration and coordination with stakeholders, including the Government of Malawi, civil society organizations, and the private sector. The project's achievements in Fiscal Year 2018 were made possible through the hard work and dedication of the project team, as well as the support of USAID/Malawi and other stakeholders. The project's success in achieving its objectives has contributed to the conservation of forests and the promotion of green growth in Malawi, ultimately improving the quality of life for Malawians. The PERFORM project's achievements in Fiscal Year 2018 demonstrate the project's commitment to its objectives and its ability to make a positive impact in Malawi.