Protecting Ecosystems and Restoring Forests in Malawi (PERFORM) Third Quarterly Report (April – June 2015)

The project's contractual period of performance began on September 2, 2014, and will end on September 1, 2019. The project's objectives are to advance REDD+ readiness, increase low-emissions land use opportunities, improve low-emissions development capacities, institute pathways for sustainability, and advance CDCS priorities of integration and institutional strengthening. The project's premise is that achieving these objectives will help Malawian institutions and communities manage forest and soil resources more efficiently, equitably, and sustainably, ultimately contributing to the USAID/Malawi CDCS goal of improving Malawians' quality of life. During the third quarter (April 1, 2015 - June 30, 2015), PERFORM actively supported the planning and implementation of the USAID/Malawi Multi-Project Launch. The project worked with the Department of Forestry and the Environmental Affairs Department to draft and finalize the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining and the PERFORM project. The MoU was signed on June 24, 2015. PERFORM also worked with the University of South Carolina to support field research in and around the Liwonde Forest Reserve, which will inform the PERFORM Gender Analysis. The project formally launched the grants program with the issuance of the first Annual Program Statement. Additionally, PERFORM developed and disseminated the draft Malawi REDD+ Programme Governance Assessment Report, circulated for comment, and compiled stakeholder comments. The project supported the Government of Malawi to formally launch the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) process. PERFORM prepared an options assessment to help inform the GoM's thinking on the scope or orientation of their INDC. The project also prepared and commissioned field research on agents and drivers of deforestation and livelihoods baseline assessment. Furthermore, PERFORM continued dialoguing with other USG Partners on opportunities for collaboration and integration. The project's progress in project administration, constraints and critical issues, personnel, changes in the project, and contract modifications and amendments are also reported. The project's deliverables tracker, international travel completed, and communications materials are provided in the appendices.