Protecting Ecosystems and Restoring Forests in Malawi (PERFORM) Fiscal Year 2018 – Third Quarter Report

The project is implemented in Malawi and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project's contractual period began on September 2, 2014, and will end on September 1, 2019. The project has five main objectives: (1) advance REDD+ readiness, (2) increase low-emissions land use opportunities in targeted geographies, (3) improve low-emissions development capacities, (4) institute pathways for sustainability, and (5) advance CDCS priorities of integration and institutional strengthening. The project's progress is monitored and reported quarterly, with this report covering the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2018 (April 1, 2018 - June 30, 2018). The project has made significant progress in advancing REDD+ readiness, with increased capacities for REDD+ data collection, analysis, and utilization. The project has also improved REDD+ relevant policy and legal frameworks, and has made progress in increasing low-emissions land use opportunities in targeted geographies. The project has also improved low-emissions development capacities, with increased capacity for assessing the costs, benefits, and mitigation potential of different mitigation options. The project has also made progress in instituting pathways for sustainability, with measurable improvements in relevant project management and implementation capabilities. The project has also facilitated public-private partnerships and identified sources of additional support. The project's progress is monitored and reported through various indicators, including the number of communities participating in forest co-management, the number of farmers trained in conservation agriculture, and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced. The project's success is also measured through the number of success stories and lessons learned that are effectively communicated to stakeholders. The project's implementation is supported by a team of experts, including the Chief of Party, Project Manager, and Deputy Project Manager. The project's progress is also supported by various partners, including the Government of Malawi, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The project's achievements are documented in various appendices, including a list of international short-term technical assistance completed, English version SMBC construction posters, and a PERFORM success story for USAID's Transforming Lives portal. The project's progress is also reported through various indicators, including the number of communities participating in forest co-management, the number of farmers trained in conservation agriculture, and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced.